In the case of NBA All-Star Weekend, the league helps manufacturers have a strong sport plan.
This 12 months’s All-Star actions kick off this weekend in Los Angeles with occasions such because the Castrol Rising Stars sport on Friday; the Kia Taking pictures Stars, the State Farm 3-Level Contest, and the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest on Saturday; and the All-Star sport on Sunday, with the competitors that includes a brand new U.S. vs. the World format.
With so many choices to be part of a premier stay occasion, the NBA All-Star Weekend has been a significant draw for advertisers. NBCUniversal introduced an ad-inventory sellout in January. Plus, all through the weekend, greater than 60 manufacturers are collaborating within the festivities with on-the-ground fan activations, licensing alternatives, and merch and retail. In accordance with Lauren Sullivan, svp, head of selling partnerships, NBA, the integrations are designed to make an affect.
“It’s manner past simply having a visual model presence in signage and out of residence across the venues that we’re having our occasions,” Sullivan advised ADWEEK, noting that the important thing for manufacturers is to lean into their distinctive choices.
For example of how manufacturers are displaying up, Sullivan factors to NBA Crossover, an immersive fan occasion happening within the Los Angeles Conference Heart from Thursday to Sunday. The occasion showcases round 40 totally different manufacturers constructing expansive activations for followers, together with Xfinity creating an immersive fan expertise known as the X Vault, Ruffles bringing some trick photographs, and CeraVe displaying up for the primary time with a barbershop expertise.
Sullivan famous that the beginning of planning for an All-Star Weekend really begins proper after the weekend is over, with a debrief to assist put together for the following 12 months. With that in thoughts, the NBA svp of selling partnerships outlined the learnings and themes behind the technique for model companions in 2026:
Leaning into tradition
Although tradition and life-style have all the time performed a job in NBA advertising, Sullivan stated manufacturers have gotten extra intentional about creating significant affect throughout All-Star Weekend.
“That’s much more on the genesis of what companions are doing this 12 months due to the market we’re in, in order that’s actually one thematic you’ll see—a variety of companions displaying up and leaning into trend, music, artwork, and leisure,” Sullivan stated.
Among the many integrations, American Categorical partnered with Fanatics Actual Classic to present followers entry to a vault-inspired expertise that includes a curated classic NBA merchandise assortment. In the meantime, DoorDash builds on its “In Your Bag” marketing campaign by constructing a hands-on expertise at Crossover, the place followers can design their very own mini DoorDash luggage with patches and charms whereas NBA stars like Tyrese Maxey, Rip Hamilton, and Stephon Fort make appearances.
Showcasing the retail elements of the activations, Adidas is partnering with Foot Locker for an Anthony Edwards expertise that includes a drop for the Anthony Edwards 2; PUMA teamed with Common’s Quick and Livid franchise and NBA star LaMelo Ball for an unique assortment; and KITH is showcasing its first multi-team assortment with the NBA.
