The BIG3 Prepares For Season 3 By Announcing A New Partnership With State Farm
As the BIG3 prepares to begin their 3rd season on June 22nd in Detroit, the 3-on-3 basketball league announced on June 14th that State Farm had signed an exclusive sponsorship deal making them the official insurer of the 3-on-3 basketball league. BIG3 is founded by actor, producer and music icon Ice Cube as well as entertainment executive Jeff Kwatinetz.
The sponsorship deal is set to include State Farm branding throughout all 18 basketball arenas the BIG3 is set to hit during this summers schedule. Branding will consist of center court jumbotrons, basket stanchion pads, and courtside LED signage. State Farm will also present the BIG3 games on Sunday, July 7th at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
“BIG3 and State Farm are a natural fit because they’re the top car and home insurer in the country and we’re the top 3-on-3 basketball destination,” stated Ice Cube. “Brands recognize the widespread popularity of the BIG3, and this sponsorship is just the latest in a string of big moves we’re making on and off the court.”
The league continues to grow leaps and bounds in regards to its popularity, and major television networks have taken notice. For the first time in the league’s history, two CBS networks have signed on to broadcast various games throughout the 11 week season. CBS Television Network is set to broadcast more than 20 hours of game coverage throughout the season, and CBS Sports Network will add on another 25 hours of live game coverage. State Farm will be featured in 20 hours of BIG3 coverage.
The BIG3 has expanded from 8–12 teams for this coming season. More teams, the addition of former NBA stars Kendrick Perkins, Gilbert Arenas, Lamar Odom and Greg Oden, a partnership with State Farm and TV coverage indicate the beginnings of a thrilling third season. This season will culminate on September 1st at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Due to its rapid success, the BIG3 has become a top destination for some of the premier brands, previously having signed multi-year deals with Adidas and Alex and Ani, they most recently brought on Toyota and cbdMD.
Amy Trask, who worked for the Oakland Raiders for decades prior to joining the Big3 as the chief executive officer in April of 2017, believes the league can seek and retain premier sponsorships because of league intrigue. “I come from a background with more defined sponsorship roles. We are looking to be a bit edgier with our sponsor relations. Because we are not dependent on the revenue, we can be selective with the businesses and the terms we choose.”
And the same holds three years later. The BIG3 is continually looking for new ways to blend sports with innovation. Executives want to find new ideas for fans to experience the game.
The leagues new CEO Amit Bajaj stated, “As an observer and fan of the BIG3 over the past two years, I’ve been continuously impressed with the leadership team’s visionary ideas and ability to think outside the box in the midst of creating a brand new sports league that has already seen resounding success. Being in a position to help accomplish the executive team’s goals and shape the league’s continued growth is truly an honor and a dream come true.”
Stay tuned for more updates throughout the season.
