The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Formula 1 (F1) has announced a first-of-its-kind content and promotion partnership. This will bring together the global fanbases of both brands in celebration of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary season and the return of F1 to the United States at the 2021 F1 US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.
To commemorate the US Grand Prix and the NBA’s anniversary, exclusive imagery featuring F1 cars in custom liveries representing all 30 NBA teams will be posted on NBA and F1 social channels around the world, with the first ten cars showcasing the central and pacific divisions. On 21 October ESPN hosted F1 drivers as they battled it out off the track in a free throw challenge at an NBA 75th Anniversary-themed basketball half-court within the Circuit of the Americas paddock.
The 2021 Formula 1 US Grand Prix, which takes place from 22-24 October, has been held at the Circuit of the Americas track in Austin, Texas since 2012, with F1 returning to the iconic track following a two-year break due to Covid-19.
The NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 215 countries and territories in more than 50 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 100,000 stores in 100 countries on six continents. NBA rosters at the start of the 2021-22 season featured a record 121 international players from 40 countries. The NBA’s 75th Anniversary season tipped off on 19 October.