Home Sports Business Sponsorship American Express takes NBA and WNBA partnership global with new fan experiences The expansion builds on American Express’ position as the payments partner of both leagues, extending its presence across live events, digital platforms and experiential marketing. By Aashay Khandelwal November 5, 2026 WhatsApp Linkedin Facebook X Telegram American Express takes NBA and WNBA partnership global with new fan experiences American Express has expanded its longstanding partnerships with the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), introducing a broader international activation strategy to bring cardholders and basketball fans closer to the game. The multiyear expansion builds on American Express’ position as the official payments partner of both leagues, extending its presence across live events, digital platforms and experiential marketing. The agreement also encompasses USA Basketball , the NBA G League and NBA Take-Two Media, strengthening the company’s commercial footprint across the basketball ecosystem. As part of the expanded partnership, American Express will become an associate partner of three NBA Global Games during the 2026-27 season. The schedule includes the Denver Nuggets ’ meeting with the Indiana Pacers in Mexico City on November 7, followed by the New Orleans Pelicans ’ matchups against the San Antonio Spurs in Paris on January 14 and Manchester on January 17, 2027. All three games have sold out, underlining the growing international demand for NBA events. Elizabeth Rutledge, Chief Marketing Officer, American Express, said, “Sports have a unique power to bring people together, and basketball’s international appeal is no exception. As we expand our global sports partnerships, we’re creating more ways for Card Members to experience what they love. Expanding our longstanding NBA and WNBA partnerships marks an exciting next chapter, bringing Card Members and fans around the world closer to the game and the moments that matter most.” Kerry Tatlock, EVP Global Marketing Partnerships and Media, NBA, added, “We’re thrilled to build upon the longstanding partnership success we’ve had with American Express and now deliver programs and activations to fans around the world. The continued growth of basketball globally creates tremendous opportunities to further deliver on our shared commitment to engage fans in new and meaningful ways.” American Express will also become the presenting partner of select NBA Houses, immersive fan experiences featuring viewing parties, interactive activities and opportunities to engage with players and legends. Additional benefits include exclusive ticket access, premium hospitality, merchandise offers and experiences linked to NBA 2K27. The partners will also integrate American Express cardholder benefits with NBA ID, the league’s digital membership programme. Further activations will support the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game and USA Basketball Showcase. The development reflects American Express’ strategy of transforming sports sponsorships into broader customer-engagement platforms, combining payments, digital membership and live experiences to strengthen connections with basketball audiences globally. Tags American Express National Basketball Association National Basketball Association (NBA) NBA NBA G-League NBA Take-Two Media Sponsorship USA Basketball WNBA Women’s National Basketball Association Women's National Basketball Association Related Articles Philadelphia 76ers tip off new commercial era with Kalshi partnership Dallas Mavericks extend television partnership with FOX Sports NBA and CFTC establish framework to protect prediction market integrity BERO taps Miami HEAT partnership to accelerate regional growth AT&T, NBA and WNBA unveil next-generation basketball network Cisco advances digital infrastructure strategy across NBA venues Load more Latest Articles Sponsorship Vega Helmets enters ISRL Season 3 through safety-focused partnership Media Rights Zee expands beyond football, adds PGTI Golf rights to strengthen sports portfolio Sports News Virat Kohli at 38: The power and business of a global sporting icon Other Sports Tata Mumbai Marathon wins ‘Strongest Economic Impact – Emerging Markets’ accolade from Brand Finance Marathons Top 50 Cricket India tour of New Zealand 2026 1st ODI: Kohli special seals win for India in Auckland Load more
Curated by Taleb Kabbara · Source: sportsmintmedia.com