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Tag: NBA

  • Dream11 elevates Yash Mehta to director of product marketing content

    Dream11 elevates Yash Mehta to director of product marketing content

    MUMBAI: Dream11 has announced the promotion of Yash Mehta to director of product marketing content, effective July 2025. In his new role, Mehta will spearhead the product content division, focusing on orchestrating innovative product marketing campaigns to significantly boost feature and platform adoption, engagement, and retention. 

    Dream11 highlighted that Mehta’s team has already contributed to increased product usage through interactive and data-informed content strategies. He will now be responsible for leading content performance across various channels, including push notifications, banners, emails, and static web pages, while developing user-centric, data-driven creative solutions and spearheading innovative interactive intellectual properties to enhance user adoption and retention. 

    Prior to this promotion, Mehta served as senior manager, product marketing | content at Dream11 from August 2023.  In that capacity, he was instrumental in maintaining and growing product marketing channel click-through rates (CTRs), including 3.5 per cent for push notifications, 20 per cent for stories, seven per cent for banners, 30 per cent for app inbox, 16 per cent for in-apps, and a 52 per cent email open rate. He also led a team of five on adoption, engagement, and retention initiatives through interactive content strategies. 

    Mehta’s nearly decade-long experience in content strategy and campaign orchestration includes stints at MTV India, National Basketball Association (NBA), and Ozy Media. He previously held roles such as integrated marketing associate at Ozy Media and production trainee, digital and social content publishing at the NBA. His career began as a social media executive at Merry Men in April 2011. 

    He holds a master’s degree in integrated marketing and digital marketing from NYU School of Professional Studies, graduating in June 2018. He also earned a master of business administration (MBA) from Lala Lajpatrai Institute Of Management and a bachelor of commerce (B.Com.) in marketing from H.R. College of Commerce & Economics.

  • NBA and Skechers spotlight Indian hoop dreams in Hoop Nation Season 2

    NBA and Skechers spotlight Indian hoop dreams in Hoop Nation Season 2

    MUMBAI: When basketball meets bars, stories soar beyond the court. The NBA, in collaboration with Skechers, has launched the second season of its lyrical docuseries Hoop Nation, a four-part chronicle of resilience, rhythm and real-life hoop dreams from the far corners of India. Streaming now on NBA India’s Youtube channel, Hoop Nation Season 2 weaves slam dunks with sick beats, profiling underrepresented basketball voices from Kashmir to Kerala, Kolkata to Mumbai all with an assist from India’s rising hip-hop stars. This season is presented by Skechers, whose performance-driven basketball shoes make a prominent on-court cameo.

    The episodes spotlight:

    .  Ishrat Akhter, an international wheelchair basketball player from Baramulla, Kashmir

    .  Deepak P. Babu, a devoted fan and mentor from Alappuzha, Kerala

    .  The Lao family, a father-daughter duo championing basketball in Kolkata’s Indo-Chinese community

    .  Farooque Shaikh, a Nagpada-based coach shaping Mumbai’s next generation of ballers

    And who’s soundtracking their journeys? Straight Outta Srinagar, ThirumaLi, EPR Iyer and QK hip-hop artists whose original verses narrate these ballers’ lives with lyrical punchlines and sonic swagger.

    “Hoop Nation Season 2 embodies the spirit of basketball in India, a game that unites, inspires and drives change,” said NBA India Country HeadRajah Chaudhry. “Skechers shares our mission of taking the game deeper into India’s cultural and sporting fabric.”

    Skechers CEO of South Asia Rahul Vira added, “This isn’t just about footwear; it’s about fuelling the fire in every Indian baller. With Hoop Nation and the ACG Jr. NBA program, we’re enabling both inspiration and access.”

    The Skechers x NBA partnership also powered the ACG Jr. NBA India’s largest school basketball initiative. The 3v3 format tournament touched 4,000 plus players across 500 plus schools last year, with Skechers as official kit partner.

    From court-side storytelling to grassroots development, the initiative underscores a first-of-its-kind collaboration in the region, one that puts culture, community and comfort at the centre of the game.

    Whether you’re vibing to SOS’s Kashmiri verses or QK’s Mumbai flow, Hoop Nation 2 brings more than basketball, it brings belonging. And in the process, it reaffirms that sport, like music, hits different when it tells the stories that matter.

    Catch the docuseries now on the NBA India Youtube channel and follow for more behind-the-scenes action and product drops. Because whether it’s a crossover or a cross-rhyme, India’s hoop dreams are dribbling in style.
     

  • Prime time for hoops as NBA lands on Prime Video in slam-dunk global deal

    Prime time for hoops as NBA lands on Prime Video in slam-dunk global deal

    MUMBAI: The courts are going digital and Prime Video is making the first move. In a slam-dunk announcement for basketball fans across India, Prime Video has unveiled the official logo for its upcoming coverage of the NBA, marking a major play in the global sports streaming arena. Starting October 2025, hoops action will stream straight to your screens no extra charges, no cable required.

    This follows Prime Video’s landmark 11-year media rights agreement with the NBA, making it the exclusive destination for 67 regular-season games each year, along with knockout matches from the Emirates NBA Cup and the Play-In Tournament. The deal also includes select playoff games and the Conference Finals in six out of the 11 seasons, an unmissable lineup for Indian fans.

    But wait, there’s more. Starting in 2026, the platform will tip off its WNBA coverage too, streaming 30 regular-season games and exclusive playoff matchups, including three WNBA Finals over the course of the agreement.

    With this move, Prime Video becomes more than just a platform, it becomes a prime court-side seat. NBA legends and Hall-of-Famers like Dwyane Wade, Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, Blake Griffin and Udonis Haslem will join sports journalist Taylor Rooks for a studio show filled with insights, stories, and signature style. WNBA star Candace Parker will bring her expertise to both NBA and WNBA coverage, making the lineup as star-studded off court as it is on.

    Basketball fans who want even more can access NBA League Pass via Prime Video as a third-party add-on, giving them access to an extended buffet of live and on-demand action.

    From fast breaks to buzzer beaters, Prime Video is set to transform sports streaming in India, one triple-double at a time.

  • Slam dunks and music beats: NBA and Budweiser launch India’s first BUDX NBA House

    Slam dunks and music beats: NBA and Budweiser launch India’s first BUDX NBA House

    MUMBAI: The NBA is bringing its A-game to India with a full-court press of culture, music and sport. Teaming up with Budweiser, the league is set to debut the country’s first-ever BUDX NBA House on 7 and 8  June at the Dome, SVP Stadium in Mumbai.

    Timed to coincide with the 2025 NBA Finals, the two-day carnival promises more than just hoops. Think meet-and-greets with five-time NBA champion Derek Fisher and Hall of Famer Gary Payton, high-flying stunts by the Sacramento Kings dunk team, and DJ-fuelled chaos courtesy of Slamson the mascot and the Kings Dancers.

    “The first BUDX NBA House will be a must-visit destination for the passionate NBA fans in India to come together and celebrate their love of the game amid the excitement of the NBA Finals,” said NBA Asia head of strategy and NBA India country head Rajah Chaudhry.  “We look forward to bringing this signature showcase of the NBA, music and culture to India at a time when there is incredible momentum around basketball in the country.” 

    BudweiserVP  of marketing and trade marketing in India Vineet Sharma, called the event a “trendsetting experience” designed to blend hoops with high-octane youth culture. “We’ve long championed music and immersive fan moments. Now we’re turning up the volume with basketball.”

    Produced and ticketed by Zomato, the event has also roped in Brand USA, Emirates and Visit California as partners. More sponsor activations and programming are expected to drop soon.

    The NBA has previously taken its signature ‘House’ format to Brazil, France, Canada, Mexico, the US and the UK. Now it’s India’s turn to feel the bounce.

  • NBA goes better with YouTube

    NBA goes better with YouTube

    MUMBAI: Life is simpler on YouTube. The streaming platform, which is about 50 times bigger than its nearest competitor in terms of ad revenue, is the go-to place for many a player now following the tough negotiations the OTTs are throwing up. Additionally, most of the these have their  sports timetable choc-a-bloc with events. 

    No wonder The National Basketball Association (NBA) over the weekend announced an expansion of its existing content partnership with YouTube that will see NBA games and marquee events livestreamed to fans in India on the NBA’s global YouTube channel (YouTube.com/@NBA) through the remainder of the 2024-25 season.

    Live coverage will include weekly regular-season games, NBA All-Star 2025, a selection of NBA Playoff games and the 2025 NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV.

    To enhance the viewing experience for fans in India, the NBA will also collaborate with top YouTube creators by having select games and events livestreamed on their YouTube channels as well, starting with popular creator duo Jordindian (YouTube.com/@Jordindian) for the State Farm All-Star Saturday Night on Sunday, 16 February at 7:00 am IST.

    The 2024-25 NBA season is airing live in India on the NBA YouTube channel and NBA League Pass, the league’s premium live game subscription service available via the NBA App. Fans in India can follow the NBA on Facebook (Facebook.com/NBAIndia), Instagram (@NBAIndia and, for everything style-related,  @NBAStyle_in) and X (@NBAIndia) and download the NBA App for the latest news, updates, scores, stats, schedules, videos, and more. 

  • Infectious Advertising appoints Abrar Nakhuda as head of digital

    Infectious Advertising appoints Abrar Nakhuda as head of digital

    MUMBAI: Infectious Advertising is gearing up for a digital shake-up, appointing Abrar Nakhuda as head of digital to spearhead innovation and strategy in an ever-evolving landscape. With a track record of crafting impactful brand narratives and data-driven campaigns, Nakhuda is set to lead the agency’s approach to AI-powered marketing, influencer engagement, and content storytelling.

    Speaking on his new role, Nakhuda shared, “My focus will be on elevating our clients’ digital presence, integrating the latest digital trends, and ensuring synergy between brands and platforms. From AI-driven workflows to influencer marketing and content innovation, we aim to push creative boundaries and set new industry benchmarks.”

    Infectious Advertising co-founders and directors Nisha Singhania and Ramanuj Shastry said, “Abrar’s expertise and energy bring a fresh perspective to our digital division. His vision will help us strengthen our approach and create groundbreaking digital campaigns.”

    Bringing years of experience from Digit 9.0, Every Media Technologies, Culture Machine, and Viral Fission, Nakhuda has led successful digital initiatives for NBA, Star India, Pepsi, and Amazon, helping brands build strong online communities and content IPs that resonate with audiences. His expertise lies in merging data insights with creative storytelling, a formula that has delivered measurable impact across industries.
     

  • Tonic Worldwide appoints Nishant Gopalia as senior vice president, media & martech

    Tonic Worldwide appoints Nishant Gopalia as senior vice president, media & martech

    MUMBAI:  Tonic Worldwide has announced the appointment of Nishant Gopalia as senior vice-president for media & martech.  Gopalia, who brings over 18 years of experience in digital media, marketing, and strategy, joins from Viacom18 Sports, where he served as senior director and lead for digital media.

    At Viacom18, Gopalia spearheaded digital strategies for major sports properties, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), FIFA, and the NBA. He was instrumental in driving user acquisition and retention for the company’s digital platform, JioCinema, through performance marketing campaigns, content innovations, and data-driven decision-making.

    Prior to Viacom18, Gopalia held leadership roles at Tata Communications, Mindshare India, Performics, Disney Star, Wavemaker, Hungama Digital Services, and Dentsu Webchutney. His expertise spans app marketing, social media management, programmatic advertising, performance marketing, and digital content strategy.

    In his new role at Tonic Worldwide, Gopalia will oversee media strategy and marketing technology initiatives, driving innovation and business growth for the agency’s clients. His appointment is expected to bolster Tonic’s capabilities in delivering comprehensive digital solutions.

    Said Gopalia : “I look forward to contributing to its vision of delivering impactful and data-driven digital strategies.”

  • Smashers Sports acquires Delhi franchise of World Pickleball League

    Smashers Sports acquires Delhi franchise of World Pickleball League

    MUMBAI: In the leafy backyards of Bainbridge Island, Washington, a humble paddle, a wiffle ball, and an improvised net birthed a game that would one day cross oceans and cultures. Pickleball. Once a suburban pastime invented by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum for their children in 1965, has transformed into a global sensation—and now, it’s ready to smash its way into India’s booming sports arena.

    With the same spark of ingenuity that gave the world the number zero and yoga, India is poised to elevate pickleball from backyard origins to center stage.

    Smashers Sports, powered by Terra Invest and Ashok Amritraj’s Hyde Park Entertainment Group, claims the Delhi franchise of the World Pickleball League (WPBL). This alliance of global capital, sports innovation, and India’s growing appetite for niche sports promises to redefine the country’s athletic and entertainment horizons.

    Stay tuned, because the pickleball fever is about to hit India like never before!

    The WPBL, affiliated with the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), features six competitive teams. With pickleball recognised as one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, its appeal is spreading rapidly among urban audiences and younger players in tier two and tier three cities in India.

    Former Wimbledon tennis player and renowned Hollywood producer with global revenues exceeding $2 billion, Amritraj remarked on the acquisition, “Having spent decades in sports and entertainment globally, I see tremendous potential for pickleball in India. The WPBL offers a unique opportunity to combine competitive sports with entertainment-driven narratives that can engage audiences worldwide. Smashers Sports’ vision for the Delhi franchise aligns perfectly with this mission.”

    Terra Invest partner Ankiti Bose highlighted the sector’s growth prospects, “The sports media and entertainment sector in India is entering a golden age. With rising disposable incomes, AI-driven engagement platforms, and increased time for leisure activities, this market is on the cusp of exponential growth. We believe that sports, coupled with technology and entertainment, will play a transformative role in defining the next decade of India’s growth story.”

    Globally, private equity investments are reshaping sports ownership, as seen in the NFL, NBA, and Major League Pickleball. This acquisition reflects the international momentum of private equity firms leveraging sports as high-value assets with commercial and media potential.

    With Terra Invest and Hyde Park Entertainment Group’s expertise, the Delhi Franchise is set to become a premier sporting platform in India, blending competitive sports with entertainment. The involvement of high-profile investors and celebrities in emerging sports underscores pickleball’s potential to transform into a cultural phenomenon.

    What started as a DIY game for kids is now a global sensation. Could your backyard brainchild be next?

  • Emirates brings NBA Cup to New York to kick off tournament

    Emirates brings NBA Cup to New York to kick off tournament

    Mumbai: The Emirates NBA Cup trophy arrived in New York to mark the start of the Emirates NBA Cup 2024, following its journey from Dubai. As the official global airline partner of the NBA and inaugural title partner of the Emirates NBA Cup, Emirates transported the trophy aboard an Airbus A380 featuring an NBA-themed livery. The tournament began on 12 November and will culminate with the championship game on 17 December in Las Vegas.

    NBA legend James Worthy accompanied the trophy, which was handed to NBA commissioner Adam Silver and Emirates senior VP Thierry Aucoc upon arrival in New York. The flight featured basketball-themed cabin décor across all classes, with NBA-branded food served in special packaging and live NBA games available on the in-flight entertainment system, ice. Passengers in first and business class enjoyed exclusive NBA-themed snacks and a chance to socialize with worthy in the onboard lounge.

    From now until 17 December, customers flying to and from 13 U.S. and Canadian cities will experience NBA-themed services, including co-branded headrests, NBA-inspired meals, and live game streaming on flights. Emirates lounges in select cities will feature NBA-themed menus. Passengers also received commemorative memorabilia such as limited-edition NBA replica aircraft models, luggage tags, and photo frames.

    Additionally, basketball fans can purchase NBA merchandise, including replica aircraft models, from the Emirates official store. The Emirates NBA Cup continues with group play matchups, including the San Antonio Spurs vs. the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies vs. the Golden State Warriors.

  • Canada’s video providers & Friend MTS partner to tackle sports piracy

    Canada’s video providers & Friend MTS partner to tackle sports piracy

    Mumbai: Friend MTS, a provider of video content security solutions, reported that several video service providers in Canada have chosen it to prevent piracy using dynamic delivery server blocking (DDSB). These companies have secured a nationwide court order to block servers hosting pirated content, including content from major sports leagues like FIFA, NBA, NHL, and UFC.

    The court order allows internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to servers distributing pirated content without needing a new order for each event. This approach saves time and money by reducing court fees and appearances, while protecting valuable sports content rights.

    Launched by Friend MTS in 2017, DDSB enables large-scale content blocking while meeting legal standards for court-granted orders. It provides customers with the necessary intelligence and evidence to persuade ISPs to restrict access to illegal servers, reducing the number of illegal streams. This helps drive viewers to legitimate platforms and preserves the value of video content. Friend MTS’ DDSB has a proven track record of blocking illicit access within minutes, particularly for short format content like sports and live events, and is increasingly used to protect linear content.

    “This collaboration shows the powerful impact that results from video service providers, ISPs, and video security specialists coming together to fight piracy,” said Friend MTS CEO Shane McCarthy. “Canadian operators are leading the global industry by setting the bar for piracy prevention in new, dynamic ways. We’re thrilled to have helped them not only implement security solutions, but to obtain the blocking order as well.  Our unique blend of expertise and blocking technology innovation is aiding their security teams, legal counsels, and business leaders with the right analytics and evidence to effectively stop piracy, without impacting legitimate websites.”