The NBA and WNBA have announced a 12-year contract extension with global partner Nike Inc., securing the brand’s exclusive rights to provide uniforms, apparel, merchandising, marketing, and content through 2037. This renewal also covers the NBA’s developmental G-League.
The extended partnership was revealed on the eve of the NBA’s 79th season and just a day after the New York Liberty clinched the WNBA championship. Nike, which has been a partner of the NBA since 1992 and the WNBA since its 1997 debut, will continue to play a pivotal role in basketball’s growth and innovation.
“Nike is inextricably linked to basketball and has helped fuel the growth and innovation around our sport for decades,” said NBA commissioner Adam Silver. He noted that the expanded partnership will place an added emphasis on youth basketball, creating more opportunities for young players to learn and compete at all levels. Fans of both the NBA and WNBA can expect more engaging content and exclusive products as part of this deal.
The new agreement places a greater focus on growing the WNBA and investing in youth basketball, with joint initiatives designed to offer distinctive products and experiences for fans. Elliott Hill, president of Nike Inc., reaffirmed the company’s deep commitment to basketball, calling the partnership “a strategic collaboration with an unwavering commitment to growing the game.”
This extension builds on the previous eight-year deal signed in 2015, which began with the 2017-18 NBA season. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert highlighted Nike’s shared vision for the development of women’s basketball, saying, “Our continued partnership is an opportunity to fortify avenues for development and enhance touchpoints across our dynamic fan base while globally showcasing the WNBA.”
Nike also renewed its agreement with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) to remain an official partner. NBPA executive director Andre Iguodala praised the partnership for its role in driving basketball fandom and inspiring millions worldwide.
As the NBA and WNBA continue to grow globally, this partnership with Nike ensures that both leagues remain at the forefront of innovation and fan engagement.
