Google and the National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced a multiyear marketing and technology partnership that will see Google Pixel become the Official Fan Phone of the NBA, NBA G League and NBA 2K League.
As part of the deal, Google Pixel will become the first-ever presenting partner of the NBA Playoffs with integration into the league’s full slate of nationally televised playoff games on ESPN and TNT, joining YouTube TV, which is the presenting partner of the NBA Finals. Google Pixel will also serve as the presenting partner of the NBA G League Playoffs and the NBA 2K League All-Star Game.
As the Official Search Trends and Fan Insights Partner and Official Search Engine, Google will work with the NBA, NBA G League and NBA 2K League to utilize Google Trends throughout the season to share real-time search data around the three leagues and their most exciting moments. Google and the NBA will also develop innovative experiences for fans across Google apps and Pixel, accessing Google’s latest 3D and AR technology.
Earlier this year, Google was named a WNBA Changemaker and presenting partner of the WNBA Playoffs. Google and the WNBA showcased Search trends and insights throughout the season, during the WNBA Playoffs and WNBA Finals, including in live broadcasts of games and across Google and WNBA digital and social channels.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the NBA to bring the best of Google to fans and help them get closer to the game,” said Lorraine Twohill, Chief Marketing Officer, Google. “As the NBA’s Official Search Trends and Fan Insights Partner, our goal is to help everyone become more engaged, knowledgeable and informed sports fans. And we’re proud that with Pixel as the league’s Official Fan Phone, fans will also get exciting immersive experiences and more.”
“Expanding our relationship with Google will enable fans to deepen their engagement with the game and their favorite teams during our landmark 75thAnniversary season and beyond,” said Kerry Tatlock, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing Partnerships and Media, NBA. “We look forward to building on Google’s already successful WNBA partnership and integrating Google Pixel as the NBA’s Official Fan Phone as well as Google Search trends to enhance the experience for NBA, NBA G League and NBA 2K League fans.”
Google’s Pixel Fall Launch event will be held on Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. PT. The NBA’s 75th Anniversary season tips off later that evening with a doubleheader on TNT as the defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks host the Brooklyn Nets (7:30 p.m. ET) and the Golden State Warriors visit the Los Angeles Lakers (10 p.m. ET).
