The Phoenix Suns have today (Tuesday) become the latest NBA basketball franchise to sign a jersey sponsorship deal through an agreement with global technology platform and digital payments firm PayPal.
The global partnership will seek to elevate fan experiences through innovation, commencing with the 2018-19 regular season, which tips off on October 17. Jersey sponsorships were approved by the NBA as part of a three-year pilot program that started with the 2017-18 season, and PayPal’s logo will appear prominently on the front left of Suns jerseys, opposite the Nike logo.
As part of the partnership, PayPal will also be designated the Official Payment Partner of the Suns, women’s WNBA team the Phoenix Mercury and Spanish Segunda División football club Real Mallorca, which is also owned by the Suns’ managing partner Robert Sarver.
The partnership will integrate PayPal services as a payment option into several touch points throughout the fan experience. PayPal will be a payment option at Talking Stick Resort Arena point of sale terminals and at the Suns’ Team Shop in the arena, while fans will be able to access PayPal through the Official Suns Mobile App. The Suns will also make PayPal Credit available for Suns’ SixthMan members to purchase season tickets. PayPal Here card readers will be integrated at point of sale for chip, swipe, and tap payments, and fans will be able to pay with their Venmo balance throughout the arena.
Suns president and chief executive Jason Rowley said: “It was important for us to partner with an organisation that had a strong local presence in the Valley and demonstrated a shared commitment to positively impacting our community. Through this partnership, we’ll utilise PayPal’s leadership and expertise in technology and innovation to help create a better experience for our fans at home and around the globe.”
PayPal will receive traditional marketing and sales assets through Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury and Real Mallorca channels, including in-arena/stadium, broadcast, digital and via promotions. The Mercury will also feature a PayPal brand on the front of their jerseys starting in the 2019 WNBA season.