NEW YORK: The recipients of the NBA Team Sales & Marketing 2019 Awards were announced at the league’s annual sales and marketing meetings in Miami recently. All 30 teams were invited to submit a nomination in each category for awards recognizing leaders and innovators across key areas with a committee of league and team experts choosing the winners.
The Atlanta Hawks received the NBA Inclusion Leadership Award which recognises a team’s commitment to inclusion as a key business strategy. Atlanta was the first team to hire a chief diversity officer and the first to establish an inclusion council strengthening its ties throughout the area.
Indian-origin Vivek Ranadive’s Sacramento Kings earned the NBA Inclusion Innovation Award for working on a specific program that advances inclusive practices. Associating with the Build.Black. Coalition, a group of local leaders who support transformational change for African-American communities, the Kings created several programs including STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) themed workshops focusing on employment opportunities.
Ex-Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer’s LA Clippers were honoured with the NBA Team Innovation Award for launching ‘Clippers Courtvision’ which enables the use of innovative technology by Second Spectrum to let fans customise their game viewing experience.
The NBA also recognised organisations for team business performance in 10 categories across ticket sales and member retention, sponsorship, fan experience and digital innovation. 21 teams received awards for team business performance with the Golden State Warriors earning the most awards with five, followed closely by the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors, who each garnered four awards.
“This year’s winners embody the NBA’s four core values of innovation, teamwork, integrity and respect,” NBA President of Team Marketing & Business Operations and chief innovation officer Amy Brooks said.
“Through their leadership, creativity and unique programming, these teams have made an incredible impact on local communities and influenced the game and our fans in new ways.”
