The US arm of Chinese telecommunications company ZTE has agreed a deal to become the official smartphone provider of NBA basketball team Houston Rockets for the 2013-14 season.
The partnership is the first of its kind for the smartphone provider since it entered the US market 15 years ago.
Under the agreement, ZTE will receive corporate sponsor status, which will include use of the Rockets’ marketing rights, television-visible branded signage and hospitality.
In addition, ZTE served as the presenting sponsor of the pre-season game against New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday – where it also unveiled a number of new devices.
ZTE will also participate in a range of giveaways and promotions throughout branded kiosks at the team’s Toyota Center, and through in-game activations.
The firm will also be the presenting sponsor of Rockets’ upcoming Blacktop Battle three-on-three street tournament. It will additionally take part in the club’s Season of Giving community programme.
“Together we aspire to create a partnership that will go above and beyond a simple sponsorship, into a joint effort that will attract fans locally and globally,” Houston Rockets chief executive officer, Tad Brown, said.