Jazz Sign Three-Year Jersey Patch Deal With Qualtrics To Promote Cancer Research

The Jazz have signed a jersey sponsorship patch deal that puts the first cause-related logo on an NBA uniform under the league’s jersey advertising policy. The team’s three-year deal is with Qualtrics, a Provo-based research analytics company that will put its “5 For The Fight” cancer research charity logo on the Jazz’ jersey. The charity was founded by Qualtrics CEO Ryan Smith. The sponsorship deal also makes the company the official fan experience insights and analytics partner of the Jazz, a new category for the team. Jazz President Steve Starks said that the cause-related patch will be on the team’s jersey for at least the '17-18 season, with Qualtrics having the option to put the company logo on the jersey for the remaining two years of the deal. Starks: "Ryan threw it out there as a platform for 5 For the Fight. Based on a family experience, he felt strongly about cancer research and will use our brand to bring awareness" (John Lombardo, Staff Writer).

FIGHT FOR A CAUSE: In Utah, Jody Genessy reports the deal cost Qualtrics more than $10M for three years. The 5 For The Fight slogan is a "call to action for a global campaign that aims to motivate everybody to donate $5 to cancer research." Smith is "hoping to raise" at least $50M in an effort to battle cancer. Jazz Owner & Chair Gail Miller encouraged fans to "support the cause," which gives 100% of donations to "support groundbreaking cancer research." Miller said, "Maybe $50 million is not enough. I think we might go beyond that" (DESERET NEWS, 2/14). Starks said that the Jazz "identified five possible sponsors for the patch before zeroing in on Qualtrics as their primary target." In Salt Lake City, Aaron Falk notes Qualtrics will "partner with the Jazz to research and analyze the franchise's fan experience" as part of a $110M remodel to Vivint Smart Home Arena (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 2/14). USA TODAY's Jeff Zillgitt notes Qualtrics has been "interested in a relationship with the NBA and had a brief discussion with the Jazz on arena naming rights" (USA TODAY, 2/14).