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NBPA Hosts Its First-Ever Activation During Miami Art Week

NBPA Hosts Its First-Ever Activation During Miami Art Week

The NBPA collaborated with DAOLabs to host a series of activations during Miami Art Week, including a Tech Run and live recording of the NBPA Post Up podcast with Matt Barnes


NEW YORK, NY, December 9, 2022 -- The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) hosted its first-ever activation during Miami Art Week this past weekend. As part of this day-long activation, THINK450, the partnership and innovation engine of the NBPA, and Tech Runs, a sports-centric web3 community powered by DAOLabs, collaborated to host multi-faceted events and activities that celebrated the intersection of sport, tech, art, and culture. Following its collaboration with Tech Runs, the NBPA hosted a live recording of the NBPA Post Up podcast with Matt Barnes at the BBC Ice Cream Flagship in the Wynwood section of Miami. 

Kicking off on Saturday, December 3, at SLAM! Public Charter School in Miami, Florida, THINK450 and Tech Runs hosted “Tech Runs Basel,” the ultimate IRL playground combining both elements of art and basketball. The first half of the day was also dedicated to the “Culture Playground,” an event supported by Tech Runs and THINK450 that was filled with interactive art experiences, a grassroots artist showcase, and a live recording of the Ballerz Nation podcast hosted by Ros Gold-Onwude. This live recording of the Ballerz Nation podcast featured DAOLabs and Tech Runs founder Derrick Thomas, THINK450 President Que Gaskins, and former NBPA member Baron Davis. The “Culture Playground” was followed by a celebrity basketball game of athletes, musicians, and artists. 

Later in the day, the NBPA hosted a live taping of the NBPA Post Up podcast with Matt Barnes at the BBC Ice Cream Flagship. Throughout the live event, Barnes spoke with Baron Davis, Aida Osman, and KaMillion, from the HBO Max series Rap Sh!t, and hip-hop artist Kaash Paige. At the live taping of the NBPA Post Up podcast, guests were treated to Cuban-inspired cuisine and cocktails provided by Grown, a local restaurant founded by former NBPA member Ray Allen and his wife, Shannon Allen.

After the live taping of the NBPA Post Up podcast, guests also had an opportunity to check out the new Todd James capsule collection and watch a live sneaker customization by artist Rosanna Kalis, whose work highlights NBPA members’ impact off the court, specifically their efforts toward social justice and racial equality. Customized sneakers by Kalis were signed by Matt Barnes and his NBPA Post Up podcast guests at the end of the night and will be auctioned off, with the proceeds benefiting P.S. 305, a Miami-based non-profit. Auction details and information will be announced on the NBPA’s (@TheNBPA) social media channels at a later date. 

“This was our first activation during Miami Art Week and an amazing way for the NBPA and THINK450 to broaden our reach within the art culture and collaborate with some of the leading creators, collectors, and innovators,” said Que Gaskins, President of THINK450. “At THINK450, we are always looking to identify business opportunities that align with our members’ passions on and off the court, and this platform at Miami Art Week was a great way to amplify the creative and artistic spirit of our members.”

“We are thrilled to launch Tech Runs Basel in partnership with the NBPA. Our vision for this activation was to create a dynamic, multifaceted environment where athletes and cultural leaders can express themselves creatively and actively through art, technology, and sports," said Derrick “DT” Thomas, founder of DAOLabs and Tech Runs. “Using the new generation of the internet, the Tech Runs community is dedicated to helping the NBPA bridge the gap between business and sports cultures in a collaborative and community-oriented way.”

“Hosting the NBPA Post Up podcast has been an exciting way for me to learn and discuss how athletes and celebrities are growing their platforms and exploring new opportunities in business and entrepreneurship,” said Matt Barnes, host of the NBPA Post Up podcast. “Having this presence during Miami Art Week with the NBPA was a natural fit given how creative the players are with their own personal brands, and I was really interested to hear how these influencers in the art world continue to innovate and push our culture forward.” 


All media inquiries should be directed to communications@nbpa.com.


About the NBPA

The National Basketball Players Association is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the NBPA’s mission is to protect and support the rights and talents of our players, magnify the power of their collective will, and amplify their voices as leaders who will transcend sport and society globally.

The NBPA advocates on behalf of the best interests of all NBA players, including the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the filing of grievances on behalf of the players, or counseling players on benefits, educational and post-NBA career opportunities. Business opportunities are generated by THINK450, the for-profit subsidiary of the NBPA charged with managing the players’ group licensing rights.

Dedicated to preserving the legacy of its members, the NBPA Foundation provides support and assistance to persons, communities, and organizations around the world that seek to improve the lives of those in need.


About THINK450

THINK450 is the innovation and partnership engine of the NBPA, dedicated to uncovering shared interests between the 450 players and leading brands to build more engaging partnerships. Together with its partners, THINK450 creates innovative ideas that engage fans, stir them to action, and earn brands the right to participate in cultural conversations. For more information, visit THINK450.com.


About Tech Runs

The Tech Runs social club is a global community of cultural leaders, builders, and creators who come together digitally and in person to build at the intersection of sports, technology, and culture. Its holding company is DAOLabs, a platform for web3 membership clubs that use blockchain technology to reimagine native activities.

In addition to private runs, Tech Runs members have access to a diverse network of athletes, entrepreneurs, creators, and investors; educational sessions on business, web3, and sports; and culturally relevant experiences around the world facilitated by their partners.

Tech Runs aims to make the world their playground: by leveraging web3 technology, they are building, owning, and contributing to a new economy of sports and business culture. For more information, visit TechRuns.xyz.

 

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