News
NBPA Prepares to Launch First-Ever Fan Shop Pop-Up during Summer League
NBPA Prepares to Launch First-Ever Fan Shop Pop-Up during Summer League
The pop-up will feature a “Daily Drip” shoppable wall of player-led brands, limited edition player-inspired merch, daily happy hours with a DJ and more.
Come check it out on the concourse of the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, NV on July 8 & 9 from 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM
NEW YORK, NY, July 6, 2023 –The NBPA through its partnership and innovation engine, THINK450, is teaming up with Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator (BBA) to develop a special retail experience called the Brotherhood Deli, tailored to coincide with the upcoming Summer League games in Las Vegas, NV. Inspired by New York City bodegas and delis, the elevated fan shop will feature apparel and accessories from NBPA member brands and bodega-themed merchandise exclusive to the experience, including playing cards, prayer candles, chip pillows, a deli-inspired tote and a Brotherhood Deli tee.
Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator (BBA) is collaborating with THINK450 to curate the Brotherhood Deli featuring Amazon sellers to participate and showcase their brands. Amazon’s BBA is a $150 million commitment over four years to help build sustainable diversity and growth for Black-owned selling businesses.
“The Brotherhood Deli will not only celebrate our players as entrepreneurs and brand builders but will also support fellow Black-owned businesses through the launch of our partnership with Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator,” said Que Gaskins, President of THINK450. “The collective resources and network established through this partnership will help us continue to change the game for athlete-entrepreneurs and the communities we care about.”
"Through Amazon BBA’s partnership with the NBPA and THINK450, we will deepen our commitment to Black-owned businesses and athlete entrepreneurs in achieving their full potential,” said Danyel Surrency Jones, Director and Head of Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator. “I’m extremely thrilled to partner with the NBPA and THINK450 to showcase 20 Black-owned brands from Amazon’s BBA with professional athlete-preneur brands in the Brotherhood Deli. This collaboration is the first step to constructing a framework that leads to a much bigger partnership amongst Amazon, athletes, and Black-owned businesses.”
Notably, apparel and accessories from seven NBPA member-led brands, including Jaylen Brown’s 7UICE, Kevin Porter Jr.’s Sukata, Willy Hernangomez’s Wild Hunter, Isaiah Thomas’ Slow Grind, Norman Powell’s Understand the Grind, Jayson Tatum’s Small Wins, Dennis Schröder’s That’s Tuff, and former player, Lazar Hayward’s Nobel, will be available for purchase. Mitchell & Ness has curated a special collection of throwback jerseys for the shop that celebrate Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary by paying homage to legends of the game whose style of play, fashion, and collaborations with the hip hop community left an indelible mark on the culture. The pop-up shop will offer free hot and iced coffee from Dikembe Mutombo’s Mutombo Coffee brand, samples from gourmet popcorn company Opopop, and beverages from Liquid Death. Michelob ULTRA will be available during daily happy hours featuring a live DJ. DUDE products will also be available as a free gift with purchase at the pop-up throughout the weekend.
THINK450 partners NBA Top Shot and SB Nation will also contribute to the pop-up experience. Fans who visit the Brotherhood Deli can also pick up an exclusive NBA Top Shot Scratch-4-A-Pack card, where they can win free packs featuring limited edition NBA collectibles from the league's brightest stars. SB Nation’s Secret Base personality, Kofie Yeboah, will host a special Q&A and fan meet and greet with Jaren Jackson Jr., and other players scheduled to stop by for fan meet and greets include Kevin Porter Jr. and Josh Giddey, with additional player appearances to be announced later.
Fans can access the space by following @theNBPA on Instagram or Twitter. Priority access to player meet and greets through the NBPA VIP “alley” will be given to fans who download the NBA All-World app and set up an account. Download the app here on Apple or Google Play.
Hosted on the concourse of the Thomas & Mack Center, the Brotherhood Deli will be open on July 8 and 9 from 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM each day with a private preview scheduled for July 8 at 11:00 AM.
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 original ideas that engage fans, stir them to action, and earn brands the right to participate in cultural conversations. For more information, visit THINK450.com.