Nestlé Secures Landmark Global Partnership with NBA to Expand Youth Basketball

Global food and beverage giant Nestlé has announced a partnership with the National Basketball Association, establishing iconic consumer brands MILO, NESQUIK, and NESCAU as official partners across four continents in the company’s largest international brand collaboration to date.

Spanning numerous countries including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Philippines, the collaboration will activate across a diverse suite of elite youth development initiatives and fan platforms.

In Australia and New Zealand, the partnership will officially activate from January first, 2027, integrating grassroots retail promotions, immersive digital experiences, and community engagement campaigns designed to foster active lifestyles among teenagers and young sports enthusiasts.

The alliance leverages Nestlé’s extensive global reach to drive youth sports participation, supporting official development frameworks such as the Jr. NBA and Jr. WNBA programs, NBA Basketball School, coaching academies, Her Time To Play, and international events including NBA Global Games.

Commnenting on the partnership, Nestlé GM – Dairy and Beverages, Martin Brown, said: “Sport has a unique ability to bring people together. It creates moments of connection, builds confidence and teaches young people valuable life skills that extend far beyond the court.”

“At MILO, we’ve proudly supported Australian families for generations through our commitment to encouraging participation in sport and active lifestyles.

“That’s why we’re thrilled to partner with the NBA, not only globally for scale of impact, but on the ground in Australia and New Zealand, to delight local fans.

“Together, we share a belief in the power of sport to inspire, unite and uplift young people – socially and emotionally.

“Through this partnership, we hope to create memorable basketball experiences that help Aussie teens feel connected, supported and empowered to get involved, build resilience and discover the joy of the game.

“We can’t wait to stir-up conversations surrounding NBA, while fans stir up their glass of MILO,” Brown stated. 

Highlightinh the value of the alliance, NBA senior VP of commercial development and media, Julie Morris, added: “Nestlé is one of the world’s most recognisable brands and has a longstanding connection to consumers across the globe.”

“We look forward to leveraging Nestlé’s reach and local market presence to connect with fans in new ways and support the continued growth of basketball around the world,” Morris said.

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