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The NBA and Samsung have inked a multiyear marketing and technology partnership in the most extensive collaboration yet for both the tech giant and the league.
Samsung is now the official handset, tablet and television provider for the NBA, WNBA and NBA Development League, it was announced Monday. NBA referees will also use Samsung tablets and technology courtside to review plays, increasing Samsung’s visibility during games.
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In addition, the NBA will create custom content and services for Samsung’s products and provide content like NBA League Pass, daily video recaps of games, expert analysis and commentary for Samsung users. Samsung will also have a significant presence on NBA games televised on ABC, ESPN and TNT, as well as NBA digital properties.
“More than ever, NBA fans are connecting with our game across mobile devices, tablets and televisions, and Samsung’s world-renowned products will bring them closer to the game,” said Mark Tatum, the NBA’s executive vp global marketing partnerships. “Samsung’s extraordinary commitment across the NBA, WNBA and NBA D-League will impact our game both on and off the court.”
Samsung Telecommunications America CMO Todd Pendleton added: “With this partnership Samsung and the NBA are committed to elevating the future of the game with innovative product and service solutions for the players, coaches, referees and fans. With these new experiences players will be able to take their game to the next level while fans will be able to engage in new ways with their favorite teams and players.”
And Samsung will present league events including the NBA Draft, the NBA All-Star Jam Session, the 2014 All-Star Celebrity Game and NBA Summer League.
The three-year deal is valued at $100 million, The Wall Street Journal reported.
The deal is the latest component in a partnership that has included Jay Z announcing his latest album in a Samsung commercial during the NBA Finals and LeBron James endorsing Samsung’s Galaxy Note II smartphone last season in a long-form commercial.
The 2013-14 NBA season kicks off on Tuesday with back-to-back games on TNT, starting with the Bulls vs. the Heat at 8 p.m. ET and followed by the Lakers vs. the Clippers at 10:30 p.m. ET.
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