Samsung and NBA team up for $100 million deal (Updated)

Samsung and the National Basketball Association are reportedly partnering in a three-year deal that will put Samsung tablets and TVs courtside at every game. The Wall Street Journal reports that the $100 million deal will have coaches using Samsung tablets for explaining tactics, while referees will judge close calls on Samsung TVs.

Previously, the NBA had similar deals with HP and Haier. The move will make Samsung one of the most prominent brands in NBA, giving it visibility during some of the most critical moments of the game.

But the benefits of the multi-million dollar deal will span beyond improved brand visibility. The NBA is also reportedly going to put out content that is customized for Samsung’s devices, including Smart TVs, allowing the Korean giant to further differentiate its offerings.

Updated with official press release:

Samsung Telecommunications America and the National Basketball Association (NBA) announced a comprehensive multiyear marketing and technology partnership that will enhance the game and deepen the fan experience.

Samsung is now the official handset, tablet, and television provider of the NBA, Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), and NBA Development League (NBA D-League). Samsung will reach fans of all three leagues through a wide array of assets, including marquee league events, television and digital exposure, and customized content available on Samsung devices. The collaboration represents Samsung’s most extensive partnership with a North American sports league and the NBA’s most extensive partnership with a consumer electronics company.

“With this partnership Samsung and the NBA are committed to elevating the future of the game with innovative product and service solutions for the players, coaches, referees and fans.” said Todd Pendleton, Chief Marketing Officer for Samsung Telecommunications America. “With these new experiences players will be able to take their game to the next level while fans will be able to engage in new ways with their favorite teams and players.”

“More than ever, NBA fans are connecting with our game across mobile devices, tablets, and televisions, and Samsung’s world-renowned products will bring them closer to the game,” said Mark Tatum, NBA Executive Vice President, Global Marketing Partnerships.

Samsung’s extraordinary commitment across the NBA, WNBA and NBA D-League will impact our game both on and off the court.”

Samsung’s ecosystem of consumer electronics will be integrated into the league and will provide fans with new ways to experience the game through custom content and services that will be introduced throughout the partnership. For the first time, NBA referees will be provided with Samsung tablets and will use Samsung technology courtside in all NBA arenas to review key plays throughout the season. The NBA will also use Samsung devices during key league events including NBA All-Star, the NBA Playoffs, The Finals, and the NBA Draft presented by State Farm. Samsung and the NBA will also offer a wide range of NBA content including NBA LEAGUE PASS (on an authenticated basis for those already subscribing to the league’s live game product), daily video recaps of games, expert analysis and commentary, NBA TV’s NBA Inside Stuff, and more.

Samsung will serve as the title partner of NBA Summer League, a showcase of the league’s most talented young players held every summer in Las Vegas, and will be an associate partner of NBA All-Star Jam Session, the 2014 Sprint NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, and the NBA Draft presented by State Farm. Additionally, Samsung will have a significant presence on NBA national game telecasts on ABC, ESPN, and TNT, along with NBA Digital properties NBA TV, NBA.com, and NBA Mobile. It will also be the presenting partner of NBA TV’s NBA Inside Stuff.

Additionally, Samsung will be the presenting partner of the NBA D-League Showcase and the title partner of the WNBA Performance Awards, which include the Most Valuable Player, Sixth Woman of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player, and Defensive Player of the Year.

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