New NBA, Verizon Partnership to Bring More Video Content to Mobile Devices

Verizon users can expect to have their basketball appetite fed in a big way following a deal with the NBA that makes Verizon the “Official Wireless Service Provider” of the NBA, WNBA, NBA D-League, and USA Basketball. As part of the new multiyear content and marketing partnership, go90, a mobile video service and social entertainment platform designed by Verizon, will showcase NBA content, including daily highlights, original content and access to live out-of-market games through NBA League Pass.

According to reports, the deal is valued at more than $400 million and runs for three years.

Not only will go90 users have access to exclusive content, but they will have the ability to cut and share clips for sharing via social platforms such as Facebook and Twitter and via text (SMS).

“There’s never been a more exciting time to be teaming with the NBA,” said Diego Scotti, Chief Marketing Officer for Verizon in an official release. “The NBA has rapidly evolved into a year-round digital experience that engages millions of young, cross cultural fans, in many interesting ways. We are always looking for new ways to add value for our customers, and this partnership creates great opportunities to do just that. We’re thrilled to bring exclusive and awesome content to go90 and to offer unprecedented access to unique experiences.”

The NBA and go90 also plans to collaborate on bringing a number of original exclusive series to the go90 platform, offering unique perspectives and voices from around the league.

“Verizon has an outstanding reputation for reliability and innovation, and thanks to this new partnership the NBA will be able to connect with fans in places and ways we never have before,” said Bill Koenig, President, Global Media Distribution at the NBA. “As one of the country’s leading mobile providers, we are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Verizon on their go90 platform to deliver a new mobile experience for NBA fans.”

Through an la carte option available through go90, which first launched last month, users will be able to purchase NBA League Pass live game packages including NBA Single Game, NBA Team Pass, or the full season package, providing access to nearly 1,000 live out-of-market games.

On the branding end, Verizon will become the title partner of the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk platform. The “Verizon Slam Dunk” contest will debut at NBA All-Star 2016 in Toronto and Verizon will become the presenting partner of the NBA All-Star Balloting Program and a partner of NBA Draft, NBA Summer League and the Jr. NBA. Beginning with the 2016 season, Verizon will have a marquee partnership with the WNBA.

Verizon will also be strongly integrated into NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and other NBA Digital assets – which are jointly managed by the NBA and Turner Sports – along with national broadcast partners ABC, ESPN and TNT. Additionally, Verizon will collaborate with multiple NBA teams.