Wine Of The Times: NBA, WNBA Raise A Glass With Official Partner Kendall-Jackson
Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 04:21PM By Barry Janoff
April 4, 2024: In what was called a first for the leagues, the NBA and Kendall-Jackson Winery today unveiled a multi-year partnership, naming Kendall-Jackson the “official wine” of the NBA and La Crema the “official wine” of the WNBA.
Kendall-Jackson and La Crema have also been named the “official wine partners” of USA Basketball and USA Basketball’s men’s and women’s national teams, respectively.
The multi-year agreement marks the NBA and WNBA’s first official winery partnerships.
Financial terms of the alliance were not disclosed.
The NBA said its collaboration with Kendall-Jackson, a family-owned winery based in California, “officially links the worlds of fine wine and basketball, celebrating the brands’ shared commitments to excellence and community.”
Kendall-Jackson will have a presence at league marquee events including experiences, wine tastings and “opportunities for players, coaches and fans to learn about and appreciate wine in new and engaging ways.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Kendall-Jackson to the family as the NBA’s official wine partner and look forward to future collaborations across the broad portfolio of Jackson Family Wines brands,” Julie Morris, NBA svp-commercial development and media, said via the league.
“This collaboration recognizes the dynamic interests of our players and fans and uniquely blends the culture of wine with the excitement of the game.”
The WNBA said it would work with La Crema “to elevate the fan experience, offering enthusiasts a taste of sophistication that aligns with the excitement of the game."
La Crema will "showcase integrations at 2024 AT&T WNBA All Star Weekend and offer exclusive WNBA Experiences that will provide fans unique opportunities at marquee events."
“We are thrilled to partner with La Crema as we bring another dynamic brand into the WNBA family,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said via the league.
“Together, we support and celebrate the shared values of inclusivity, equity and advocacy, while creating memorable experiences for fans around the world. As a league, we pride ourselves on working with partners that stand for the same principles that we do, and we look forward to continuing to create positive change for women’s sports.”
The alliance dates to 2020 during the NBA Restart in the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando,
According to the NBA, “During the pandemic when players, coaches, and staff completed the 2020-21 season inside the ‘Bubble’, Kendall-Jackson recognized the league’s expanding interest in wine and conducted virtual wine tastings and educational sessions to reaffirm the importance of community and shared experiences.”
“Our partnership with the NBA is a natural extension of our shared values and our commitment to embracing the evolving landscape of culture and taste,” Chris Jackson, co-proprietor for Kendall-Jackson, said via the brand.
“It’s about enriching the fan experience by blending the passion for the game with the artistry of winemaking. As we embark on this exciting journey together, we are setting the stage for a future where wine converges in unexpected and exhilarating ways.”
Kendall-Jackson said its partnership with La Crema “goes beyond the traditional bounds, encapsulating a shared dedication fostering inclusivity and celebrating the achievements of women.”
“Our partnership with the NBA is a natural extension of our shared values and our commitment to embracing the evolving landscape of culture and taste."
“The collaboration between La Crema and the WNBA matches our shared dedication to diversity and equality,” La Crema Co-Proprietor Hailey Jackson Hartford Murray said via the brand.
“This partnership unites La Crema’s heritage of quality and craftsmanship with the WNBA’s embodiment of athleticism and teamwork, offering players and fans a new way to engage with the game.
“Coming from a family of strong women, who pushed boundaries, we are proud to align with a league that not only elevates women athletes but also captivates an expanding audience, marking a significant advancement in empowering and celebrating women’s achievements across all fields.”
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