Mumbai: Nike, the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) have announced a 12-year extension of their global partnership, solidifying Nike as the exclusive on-court uniform and apparel provider for the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League.

Nike will extend its rights for 12 more seasons to design and manufacture uniforms, on-court apparel, and fan apparel for these leagues, reinforcing its commitment to developing basketball for the next generation.

“Nike has always been more than a league sponsor — we’re a strategic partner with an unwavering commitment to growing the game, alongside the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League,” said Nike president and CEO Elliott Hill. “Our collective power, global reach and genuine love for the game will only continue to create new pathways and opportunities for players and fans.”

The global extension includes new content initiatives, a commitment to grassroots basketball, and a joint membership program offering benefits to fans through unique products, content, and experiences. As the biggest champion of the women’s game, Nike is also increasing its investment in the WNBA.

“Nike is inextricably linked to basketball and has helped fuel the growth and innovation around our sport for decades,” said NBA commissioner Adam Silver. “With an added focus on youth basketball, our expanded partnership will create even more opportunities for aspiring players to learn and compete at all levels and for fans of all ages to engage with the NBA and WNBA.”

“Since our league’s inception, Nike has committed to a shared vision for girls’ and women’s basketball,” said WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “Our continued partnership is an opportunity to fortify avenues for development and enhance touchpoints across our dynamic fanbase while globally showcasing the WNBA.”

Nike and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) have also extended their group license agreement, making Nike an official partner of the NBPA.

"We’re excited to renew our partnership with Nike and continue to showcase our players’ efforts on and off the court,” said NBPA executive director Andre Iguodala. “This partnership highlights the reach, influence, and impact of our members, driving basketball fandom and inspiring millions of people around the world.”

The renewal follows the eight-year partnership established in 2015, which made Nike the official on-court outfitter starting with the 2017-18 NBA season. Nike has been an NBA partner since 1992, a marketing partner of the WNBA since its inception in 1997, and a marketing partner of the NBA G League since the 2017-18 season.

Together, the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, and Nike will continue to expand basketball for the next generation by:

●    Introducing programs and resources to make best-in-class youth basketball accessible and scalable, prioritising broad access to age-appropriate coaching and training for youth of all backgrounds through the Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA.

●    Creating programming designed to improve access and the playing experience for girls of all levels, including through the Jr. WNBA and Basketball Without Borders (BWB).

●    Collaborating to enhance development opportunities for players, coaches, and programs across Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL).

Nike will also grow its presence at marquee league events, including NBA Global Games, NBA All-Star, AT&T WNBA All-Star, the NBA Draft Combine, the WNBA Draft presented by State Farm, NBA 2K Summer League, and the NBA G League Fall Invitational.