KIA and the NBA, it’s a dynamic duo on and off the court. And as the NBA reaches its midseason point with the culmination of the 2015 NBA All-Star Game this Sunday at Madison Square Garden in New York City, it’s nice to look back at the partnership.
“When it comes to basketball, we love it all,” KIA said on their website. “We love the camaraderie, the history, the athleticism, the speed, and the crowd roaring after a big win. We’re honored to be associated with this incredible game because, just like you, we’re fans, too.”
KIA’s Partnership with the Association
The NBA and KIA announced last fall a new multiyear extension of their marketing partnership, which began in 2008. Throughout the partnership, KIA has helped the league engage fans across additional innovative programming, advertisements, and sweepstakes during the season.
“As one of KIA’s longest-running partnerships, our involvement with the NBA and teams has driven dramatic increases in consumer awareness, perception and consideration for the brand, and we are excited to extend our partnership and continue connecting with the league and its passionate fans,” Tim Chaney, Vice President of Marketing Communications for KIA, said.
KIA and the Spurs
In fact, KIA has partnered up with 14 of the clubs in the NBA and perhaps none is bigger than their sponsorship of our very own San Antonio Spurs. Spurs forward Tim Duncan, who is making his 15th appearance at the all-star game, will have a chance to win the KIA NBA All-Star MVP award. KIA is also the official automotive partner for the game.
Last month, the Spurs Silver Dancers posed for photos, that World Car produced for downloadable wallpapers, with the KIA Optima, the official vehicle of the NBA. The vehicle is engineered with technologically advanced features like blind-spot detection, LED front fog lamps, and the UVO parking minder.
A Car Fit for a King
KIA is also recognized as the official luxury vehicle of the NBA, following the recent introduction of the brand’s modern and elegant K900 rear-drive luxury sedan. Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James has signed on to be the car’s ambassador.
“I was a Kia K900 driver and fan before we decided to become partners, so I’m really excited to be KIA’s first-ever luxury ambassador,” James said. “This partnership is about the power of great style and performance. KIA and the K900 are out to challenge conventional wisdom and show people how to think differently and I can relate to that. For me, a partnership has to be authentic and real to who I am, and that’s what makes this one so special.”
There may even by KIA K900 King James Edition in the very near future!
As the years go by, it seems that the partnership will continue to grow and the NBA will even present the KIA NBA Performance Awards at seasons end. The awards will be voted on by the fans.
“KIA is deeply integrated into the NBA experience year round – from KIA NBA Tip-Off, NBA All-Star, the monthly and season-ending performance awards and the WNBA – through a variety of unique content offerings and promotions,” said Emilio Collins, NBA Executive Vice President, Global Marketing Partnerships.
This article first appeared on the World Car Kia Blog.