Some fans have worried about the NBA eventually putting ads on jerseys much like we've seen for ages in the world of soccer. Worry no more because you don't really have a choice in the matter. The jersey sponsorships are on their way and there's not much you can do about it. The NBA Board of Governors on Friday approved jersey sponsorships, which will start as part of a three-year pilot program beginning in the 2017-18 season once Nike takes over for adidas.
Teams are responsible for selling their own ads on the jerseys, and those ads will consist of a patch that is roughly 2.5 inches by 2.5 inches depending on the sponsor's logo. The good news for fans opposing this idea is the sponsor patch won't appear on those jerseys sold in retail stores, so you don't really have to buy the jerseys and have an ad you're not a fan of placed on the jersey. However, teams will be allowed to sell jerseys with ads in their own retail stores as well.
From the NBA:
The NBA Board of Governors approved the sale of jersey sponsorships, beginning with the 2017-18 season, as part of a three-year pilot program. The sponsorship patch will appear on the front left of the game jerseys opposite the Nike logo. Patches will measure approximately 2.5 inches by 2.5 inches and be adjusted to fit the dimensions of each sponsor’s logo.
The NBA’s 30 teams will be responsible for selling their own jersey sponsorships.
“Jersey sponsorships provide deeper engagement with partners looking to build a unique association with our teams and the additional investment will help grow the game in exciting new ways,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “We’re always thinking about innovative ways the NBA can remain competitive in a global marketplace, and we are excited to see the results of this three-year trial.”
The sponsor patch will not appear on the retail versions of the player jerseys but teams will have the option to sell the jerseys with sponsor patches in their own retail outlets.
This move was inevitable for the league because who is going to be against making more money if you're the owners? It provides another stream of revenue for teams, and the patches sound like they'll be small enough not to be a big deal visually. It won't be like the soccer kits in which you have a giant brand name plastered across the chest or torso of the players on the pitch.
