We knew it was coming: Sponsor ad logos appearing on NBA jerseys. On April 15, 2016, the NBA Board of Governors approved the sale of jersey sponsorships as part of a three-year pilot program. And now the Philadelphia 76ers have broken ground.
The Sixers and StubHub have announced the first jersey patch sponsorship among major sports leagues in American history, making the 76ers the first NBA team to declare a jersey sponsor. The StubHub patch will feature the brand’s recently launched new logo and appear on the front left of Sixers’ game jerseys starting in the 2017-18 season. Starting in the 2017-18 season StubHub’s jersey patch will be included on all jerseys sold at Sixers’ home games.
“This marks another groundbreaking first for the Philadelphia 76ers and StubHub. Our brands are now inextricably linked as we create lifelong memories for our fans in Philadelphia and around the world,” said Philadelphia 76ers CEO Scott O’Neil. “Our partnership with StubHub continues to generate progressive and forward-thinking platforms created to improve the fan experience and advance our industry. The essence of our relationship with StubHub is our shared culture and ambition to innovate, which drives us to reimagine traditional partnership activation and continually ask, ‘What if?'”
“Since day one, StubHub has been a pioneer and innovator within the live entertainment ecosystem and we could not be more excited to join the Philadelphia 76ers in making history with this ground-breaking partnership,” said StubHub President Scott Cutler. “The Philadelphia 76ers are not only a beloved global brand, but they also serve as incredible partners and collaborators for StubHub – and we look forward to continuously innovating and improving the fan experience together.”
It’s safe to say that other NBA teams will follow suit. It makes sense. It’s extra revenue, sitting there waiting for teams to take it. And presumably, most squads will take advantage.