Beats by Dr Dre are now the official headphone of the NBA

In a landmark deal, Beats by Dr Dre has signed on as the official headphone, wireless speaker and audio partner of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

The wide-ranging marketing and merchandising partnership with the NBA will also include the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), NBA G League and USA dr. Basketball.

Beats by Dr Dre are owned by global I.T company Apple, and the multi-year deal will start in October, with reports the deal could translate to additional marketing opportunities for Apple-supported artists. 

The partnership will leverage Beats’ already robust roster of NBA pitchmen, including LeBron James, Draymond Green, James Harden, Ben Simmons, Jayson Tatum and Karl-Anthony Towns, plus the company will become a familiar site at marquee events, including All-Star games, the draft, and U.S. national team exhibition tours.   

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said: “Through our partnership, we have an exciting opportunity to merge sports, pop culture and technology to deliver unparalleled experiences and premium products to our fans.”

“The NBA and its players have long been significant drivers of global culture.

Basketball, music, and style speak as one voice,” added Luke Wood, president of Beats.

“Julius Erving became a style icon, Allen Iverson cemented hip hop’s place on and off the court and LeBron James is breaking new music every day… the list goes on and on.”

As part of the expansive partnership with the NBA, Beats will provide products to players and activate during marquee events including NBA All-Star, NBA Draft presented by State Farm, international NBA games in China and Europe, WNBA All-Star, WNBA Draft and USA Basketball men’s and women’s national team exhibition tours.

Additionally, Beats is looking to establish separate deals with individual NBA teams that will include launching products with localised branding.