The NBA has entered into an eight-year global partnership with Russell Corp., marketers of Spalding basketballs and Huffy Sports backboards, marking the largest equipment deal in sports.
The deal is valued at approximately $125 million and demonstrates the synergy of Russell’s acquisition of Spalding and Huffy Sports, both of which have had sponsorship agreements with the NBA. Russell acquired Huffy Sports in July and Spalding in 2003.
The sponsorship is new for Russell, but not for its subsidiaries. Huffy has been the official backboard of the NBA since 1973, and Spalding has been the official game ball since 1983.
Russell will promote Spalding and Huffy Sports NBA products through NBA.com, NBA TV, NBA Inside Stuff and NBA print publications in addition to in-store and other retail marketing.
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