Multiple NBA teams are in discussions with Emirates airline for sponsorship deals that would include jersey patch advertising, according to sources. While no deals are imminent, sources said that talks with Dubai-based Emirates began after the league in April allowed teams to sell corporate advertising on team jerseys beginning with the '17-18 season. How many and which specific markets that would be part of an Emirates jersey patch deal have not been determined, but Emirates flies into 10 NBA markets. The specific value of each team deal is also unknown, but the NBA’s biggest markets are valuing their jersey patch inventory to be at least $10M, a source said. The NBA would not comment. Emirates has a broad int'l sports sponsorship portfolio, including jersey deals with Real Madrid and Arsenal. The airline’s deal with Arsenal also includes naming rights to the team’s stadium. Emirates sponsors 22 int'l golf events and is a global F1 partner.
For more information on the NBA's potential jersey sponsorships, see Tuesday's DAILY issue.
