Hotels group Marriott International has agreed a commercial partnership with the National Basketball Association for its global events.
Marriott International will be the official hotel of the NBA Global Games 2015-16, NBA Africa Game 2015 and NBA Canada Series 2015.
Marriott is the first company to partner with the NBA across international games on five different continents.
The partnership begins in Johannesburg, South Africa during NBA Africa Game 2015 tomorrow (Saturday), the first NBA game in Africa. The deal includes NBA events in 11 other cities across Brazil, Canada, China, Italy, Mexico, Spain and the UK.
NBA and Marriott International will give Marriott Rewards members exclusive access to NBA games and events in these markets, while hotel chains from the Marriott group will host private meet-and-greets with NBA stars past and present for elite members.
In the US, Marriott Rewards members will be able to enter an upcoming sweepstake for trips to forthcoming NBA global events.
“Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, and our partnership with the NBA gives us an opportunity to tap into a passionate fan base and communicate the breadth and depth of our portfolio,” Karin Timpone, global marketing officer for Marriott International, said. “Similar to what we are doing with music and entertainment, our NBA partnership helps us create memorable experiences for our Rewards members and amplify the benefits of the program for both new and loyal guests.”