NEW YORK, NY, November 21, 2022 - The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) today announced the return of its flagship holiday event NBPA 450 Gives, an experiential + digital activation showcasing the best gifts to give and receive. The NBPA will partner with different sponsors starting November 25 (Black Friday) through December 8 for 14-days of prizes and giveaways that fans can win. 

The traveling NBPA-branded holiday pop-up will begin its tour on “Black-owned Friday,” a term coined by Google, the tour's day-one sponsor. Black-owned Friday, developed in partnership with the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., reimagines Black Friday as a day to search, shop and support Black-owned businesses. 

“My wife and I are very passionate about creating opportunities for equitable outcomes for Black and Brown communities. Partnering with Google on their Black-owned Friday initiative really aligns with our mission as it encourages everyone to support Black-owned businesses during the holidays, as well as year-round,” said Google Player Ambassador Jrue Holiday. “I'm also especially excited that NBPA 450 Gives will be coming to Los Angeles this year, my hometown, to support local businesses and collaborate with some of the brands that we love as players." 

The first stop of the pop-up will be Leimert Park where the NBPA is teaming up with the Leimert Park Neighborhood Association to host a holiday party on November 25, at which visitors can win prizes from local businesses such as Sole Folks and NBPA partners including figures from Hasbro’s Starting Lineup, Champion merchandise, and leather totes from T|W Tote, a female and Black-owned business. Alongside these local market giveaways at Leimert Park, the pop-up party will also feature a live DJ set, NBA 2K23 gaming stations, family photos with Black Santa, and a holiday stocking customization station. Through a partnership with Good360, a global leader in product philanthropy and purposeful giving, the NBPA will also give the first 100 families who visit the pop-up a holiday gift provided by the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. 

Additionally, in recognition of Google’s Black-owned Friday campaign and celebration of Black-owned businesses, the NBPA is once again partnering with Bifties, a Black, female-owned company that’s all about helping people “give b(l)ack,” to curate a gift box filled with items inspired by players’ passions. Fans can enter to win one of 50 gift boxes by visiting NBPA.com/450Gives on Friday, November 25. 

The traveling pop-up will make stops each day throughout Los Angeles, revealing new gifts fans can win from the NBPA and its participating partners. Prizes will include a trip for two to attend the next NBPA event during All-Star Weekend, Mitchell & Ness gift cards, prize packs from Jaylen Brown’s 7UICE, former player Lazar Hayward’s Nobelbrand and Al Harrington’s re+PLAY recovery line, along with digital gift cards from Champion, a virtual chocolate tasting with celebrity chocolatier Phillip Ashley, and a prize pack from SLAM Magazine.

The pop-up will also make four stops near Crypto.com Arena on November 25, 27, 30, and December 3, featuring appearances by NBA Legends, including Cuttino Mobley and Matt Barnes.

“We are very excited to bring NBPA 450 Gives to Los Angeles, tipping off the holiday season with an initiative that highlights our members’ commitment to giving back in action,” said Que Gaskins, President of THINK450, the innovation and partnership engine of the NBPA. “Our players are constantly finding new ways to engage with their communities, and this hybrid event allows us to support them by showcasing the businesses and brands they love. It also allows us to amplify their status as entrepreneurs, like our partnership with former NBPA member Baron Davis and his The Black Santa Co., whose mission to inspire the world through building diverse characters and contemporary storytelling reflects the cultural change we hope to see in the future.” 

Fans can follow @TheNBPA, search the hashtag #NBPA450Gives, or visit NBPA.com/450Gives for updates on where to find the NBPA pop-up and instructions on how to enter to win the daily giveaway.

Please direct all media requests 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 through the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the filing of grievances on behalf of the players, and counseling players on benefits, educational and post-NBA career opportunities. Business opportunities are generated by THINK450, the 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.