Update: Darren Rovell and Kevin Kleps are reporting that the Cavs will today announce a multi-year jersey patch deal with Goodyear that will begin next season. Yes, ads are coming to NBA jerseys, because: money.
***
(Original story 2/9/17): Ads are coming to NBA jerseys starting next season, because nothing good lasts and a professional sports league is going to milk every square inch of real estate for every last dollar. A few teams have already announced their corporate shilltastic partners and reviews so far are mixed from aesthetically mediocre (the Celtics, whose ad at least meshes with their colorway) to the abysmal (the Nets, for instance).
As for your hometown Cleveland Cavaliers, a report last night claims they have a deal with Goodyear.
Reps from Goodyear and Cavs didn’t respond to a request for comment from Bloomberg. Previously announced deals have been pegged in the $5 to $10 million a year range.
It’s not the worst arrangement, which isn’t saying much. At least it isn’t Quicken Loans.
This article appears in Feb 8-14, 2017.
The National Basketball Association was created through a merger between the National Basketball League and Basketball Association of America. The inaugural NBL champion (which operated from 1937 to 1949)….the Akron Goodyear Wingfoots.
I don’t think it’s that bad. European soccer teams have ads on their jerseys . But it would be cooler if the Cavs , with their new revenue stream, stopped asking taxpayers for handouts. YEah I know, never gonna happen.
The wingfoot logo isn’t terrible…could have been something truly awful. So what’s down the road a piece? Changing the name to the Cleveland Wingfoots? Or maybe the Wingfeet? Sorta catchy, in a sick way.
Hey, even if they go back to stinking someday…every year will be a good year from now on.
Chuckles the Clown