The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced a marketing and technology partnership with Google as Google Pixel becomes the official fan phone of the NBA, G League and 2K League.
In the multi-year collaboration, Google Pixel will become the first ever presenting partner of the NBA Playoffs with integration into the league’s televised playoff games on ESPN and TNT, joining YouTube TV – the presenting partner of the NBA Finals.
“Expanding our relationship with Google will enable fans to deepen their engagement with the game and their favorite teams during our landmark 75thAnniversary season and beyond,” commented Kerry Tatlock, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing Partnerships and Media, NBA.
“We look forward to building on Google’s already successful WNBA partnership and integrating Google Pixel as the NBA’s Official Fan Phone as well as Google Search trends to enhance the experience for NBA, NBA G League and NBA 2K League fans.”
The organisation promises to utilise Google Trends throughout the season to share real-time search data around the three leagues. The partners will also look to develop ‘innovative experiences’ for fans across Google apps and Pixel, accessing Google’s latest 3D and AR technology.
Lorraine Twohill, Chief Marketing Officer at Google, noted: “We’re thrilled to partner with the NBA to bring the best of Google to fans and help them get closer to the game.”
Earlier this year, Google was named a WNBA Changemaker and presenting partner of the WNBA Playoffs. The platform, with WNBA, showcased search trends and insights throughout the season including live broadcasts of games and across digital and social channels.
“As the NBA’s Official Search Trends and Fan Insights Partner, our goal is to help everyone become more engaged, knowledgeable and informed sports fans. And we’re proud that with Pixel as the league’s Official Fan Phone, fans will also get exciting immersive experiences and more,” Twohill added.
The launch event will be held on 19 October at 10 am (PT), whilst the NBA’s 75th anniversary season commences later that evening as Milwaukee Bucks host the Brooklyn Nets and the Golden State Warriors visit LA Lakers.
Earlier this month, the NBA secured continued coverage in the Netherlands via a broadcasting partnership with ESPN, with the latter replacing fromer media rights holder Ziggo.
As a result of the agreement, ESPN will now cover over 200 live NBA games each season, starting with today’s previously mentioned 2021/22 campaign anniversary.
