Curry will help grow the Rakuten brand in the U.S. through appearances, marketing and promotionsNBAE/GETTY IMAGES
Japanese online retailer Rakuten has signed a multiyear partnership with Warriors G Stephen Curry that includes marketing, advertising and sponsoring a youth basketball camp. Financial terms were not disclosed. Curry will launch "The Underrated Tour, powered by Rakuten," which is open to high school basketball players with a three-star ranking or below. The event will give those players the chance to improve their skills and gain exposure and experience. Curry himself was a three-star recruit out of high school. Also as part of the deal, Curry will play a role in helping to grow the Ratuken brand in the U.S. through appearances, brand marketing and other promotions. Jeron Smith, Curry's business partner, negotiated the deal on behalf of the two-time MVP. Rakuten, which in '17 signed as the Warriors jersey patch sponsor, did not use an outside agency on the Curry deal. The basketball camp is open to boys and girls and will be held in seven U.S. cities beginning later this month. Smith said the idea for the camp came directly from Curry.
