NEW YORK, NY (May 8, 2019) – The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) and THINK450 are teaming up with Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas, Chairman and CEO of ISIAH Imports, to announce a joint partnership and kick-off reception during the week of the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.

The press event and reception will take place on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, from 5:00 PM-6:00 PM at the Hilton Chicago and will include a discussion and media availability with Isiah Thomas, Chairman & CEO of ISIAH Imports and owner of Cheurlin Champagne, NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts and THINK450 President Payne Brown. The discussion will cover new business updates from the NBPA and THINK450, as well as an overview of this groundbreaking and exciting partnership with ISIAH Imports and Cheurlin Champagne.

Media will be invited to ask questions at the conclusion of the discussion and there will be a limited amount of questions taken due to time constraints. Please contact communications@nbpa.com for media credentials.

“Seeing former players like Isiah succeed in the business world is an achievement our union desires for all of our current and former members,” said NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts. “We hope this partnership will inspire more players to follow their passions off the court and to continue to invest in themselves as entrepreneurs.”

“This is a first-of-its-kind partnership,” said owner Isiah Thomas. “For athletes in business or going into business this lays the foundation for the new generation to do business with a union that they trust. I am excited about this partnership and all that we can accomplish together.”

Isiah will provide complimentary champagne throughout the reception and light hors d’oeuvres will be served.

About the NBPA

The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the NBPA’s mission is to ensure that the rights of NBA players are protected and that every conceivable measure is taken to assist players in maximizing their opportunities and achieving their goals–on and off the court.

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.

In addition, the NBPA provides a forum for players to participate in union activities – including executive leadership roles, team representative positions, and global community outreach initiatives. The NBPA offers each NBA player the opportunity to get involved in the democratic institution that was created for, continues to exist for and is run by them.

About THINK450

THINK450 is the innovation engine of the NBPA, charged with creating disruptive and substantive business relationships for the most marketable athletes on the planet. THINK450 represents every current NBA player and works with leading companies and brands across all industries to help its members capitalize on growth opportunities in the content, marketing, technology, and licensing arenas – among others. For more information, please visit THINK450.com.

About ISIAH Imports/Cheurlin Champagne

 Born and raised on Chicago’s West Side, Isiah Lord Thomas III’s professional career spans more than three decades in sports, business, and entertainment. Isiah has garnered worldwide attention for his contributions in all levels of professional basketball, including induction into the NBA Hall of Fame, and for his distinctive business start-ups and philanthropic endeavors.

A wine and champagne enthusiast, Isiah wanted a great tasting champagne without the added sugar found in most brands. His research revealed France’s champagne growers pay homage to nature focusing on soil, topography, and climate. Isiah concluded that artisanship was the answer and the future of champagne. His pursuit led him to the Cheurlin family who has crafted France’s finest champagnes since 1788. Confident they are the region’s best producer of champagne – an alliance was born.

For more information on Award-winning Cheurlin Champagne products, visit www.Cheurlin.com.

###