Basketball Archives - DealDigest

Endorsement Deals 1 mins read

Adidas Taps Missy Elliott, Samuel L. Jackson, GloRilla, Jennie, and More for Its Latest Superstar Campaign

Adidas’ “Superstar” campaign returns with cinematic flair and an all-star cast, highlighting the timeless influence of its iconic sneaker. Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, the campaign kicks off with a moody teaser titled “Pyramids,” which compares the shoe’s cultural permanence to, well, actual pyramids. “No Wi-Fi. No food court. But 4,000 years later, people still fly across the world to see ‘em,” Jackson quips.

The full spot, “Clocks,” ups the tempo and the roster. Music legends Missy Elliott, GloRilla, Teezo Touchdown, and BLACKPINK’s Jennie appear alongside NBA star Anthony Edwards, skateboarding icon Mark Gonzales, and model-actress Gabbriette.

The campaign—shot

New Signings 1 mins read

Emily Engstler Signs with FirstPick Management

Emily Engstler, the versatile forward currently with the Washington Mystics, has signed with FirstPick Management for representation. She joins a roster that includes WNBA talents like Diamond DeShields, Kaela Davis, and Tyasha Harris. Engstler was previously represented by The Fam Sports.

Drafted fourth overall by the Indiana Fever in 2022, Engstler’s professional journey has been marked by adaptability and resilience. After her rookie season with the Fever, she had stints with the Minnesota Lynx and eventually found a role with the Mystics. During the 2024 season, she averaged 5.1 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, showcasing her defensive prowess and versatility on the court .

Off the court, Engstler has expanded her horizons by playing overseas. In the 2024–2025 offseason, she joined Hapoel Lev Jerusalem in Israel, where she delivered standout performances, including a game with 36 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists .

With her new representation at FirstPick Management, Engstler is poised to further elevate her career, both in the WNBA and internationally.

Gary Payton II Signs With WME for Representation

Gary Payton II, the defensive dynamo known for his relentless energy and impact off the bench, has signed with WME for representation, marking a new chapter in his off-court career. He was previously repped by Goodwin Sports Management.

Affectionately dubbed “The Mitten” — a nod to his Hall of Fame father, Gary Payton — Payton II has carved out his own niche in the NBA through elite perimeter defense, hustle plays, and a championship-winning stint with the Golden State Warriors in 2022. His journey has been anything but linear: after going undrafted in 2016, he bounced between G League stints and short-term NBA contracts before earning his role in Golden State’s rotation with tenacity and high-IQ play.

Beyond the hardwood, Payton has also made headlines for his advocacy work in support of children with learning disabilities, sharing his own experiences with dyslexia and ADHD to help reduce stigma and increase awareness.

Now with WME in his corner, Payton II seems poised to expand his presence beyond basketball — whether that’s in media, activism, or entrepreneurial ventures — all with the same defensive edge he

Brand Ambassador 2 mins read

Nyara Sabally Has Been Named New Brand Ambassador For Catbird—Her First WNBA Brand Deal

The WNBA’s newest champion just picked up her first piece of off-court hardware, and it comes in 14-karat gold. Nyara Sabally, fresh off a title run with the New York Liberty, is now the face of Catbird’s latest campaign, making her the brand’s newest ambassador and perhaps the first person to pair post defense with minimalist fine jewelry.

Catbird, the Brooklyn-based jewelry brand that’s basically the spiritual opposite of courtside flashiness, has tapped Sabally to showcase its signature pieces—delicate gold chains, whisper-thin rings, things that sparkle without shouting. Which, in a way, mirrors Sabally’s own energy: elegant, resilient, and quietly dominant. The campaign leans hard into that contrast—diamond-tough athlete meets gossamer-light gold—and the result is exactly the kind of crossover moment that makes brand strategists feel clever.

This isn’t just Catbird tossing a bracelet at the nearest trending athlete. Sabally is a compelling figure in and out of uniform. Born in Germany, she played college ball at Oregon, where she battled through multiple knee injuries with the kind of

Campaigns 2 mins read

Paige Bueckers Just Made Radiant Lilac Feel Like a Championship Ring.

In its quest to reclaim the misunderstood corners of the paint wheel, Sherwin-Williams has crowned Radiant Lilac SW 0074 as the Loneliest Color of 2025. Which is poetic branding for “no one’s buying this.” But instead of slapping it on an accent wall and hoping for the best, the company leaned all the way in — painting a broader message about visibility, marginalization, and of course, women’s basketball.

Enter Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 pick in this year’s WNBA Draft, rising star

Endorsement Deals 3 mins read

Curry, Hart, and A’ja Wilson Chase the Cashback Crown

In Chase’s latest ad campaign, “Cashback Like a Pro,” we get the kind of brand exercise that feels less like a commercial and more like an All-Star Weekend scrimmage that somehow broke into a fintech conference. Stephen Curry and Kevin Hart are chirping back and forth about cashback rewards like it’s a Game 7 — until A’ja

Basketball 2 mins read

Li Yueru Has Signed With First Pick Management

Li Yueru has signed with First Pick Management, because even when you’re 6’7″ and dropping 20/20 stat lines on international hardwood, you still need someone to negotiate the fine print.

The Chinese basketball star—known for redefining what it means to be “dominant in the paint” with the subtlety of a freight train—joins an agency that reps Kaela Davis, Erica Wheeler, and Ajsa Sivka. But this isn’t just a client pickup. This is a declaration that First Pick knows where the future of global basketball is headed: tall, tactical, and from Changzhi.

If you’re wondering whether Li’s career reads more like a spreadsheet than a highlight reel, think again. She’s been anchoring Team China with Olympic poise and FIBA fury, casually racking up 22-point, 23-rebound games like she’s organizing pantry shelves. Her Tokyo Olympics run? Nearly 15 points and 8 boards per game. Her domestic dominance with the Guangdong

Sports 1 mins read

Karl-Anthony Towns Has Signed An Endorsement Deal with Hola Prime

Karl-Anthony Towns has signed on as the first-ever sports ambassador for Hola Prime, a fintech platform that’s apparently decided the best way to explain trading to the masses is through a 7-foot All-Star center with a three-point shot and a knack for brand synergy.

The campaign—titled “#SpeedIsSuccess”—leans into the idea that trading is like basketball: fast-paced, strategic, and best executed by someone who’s already made $70 million in career earnings. Towns, who joined the New York Knicks in late 2024, is now applying his on-court agility to financial markets, or at least to the marketing of them.

This isn’t Towns’ first foray into endorsements. His portfolio includes partnerships with Beats by Dre, Dove Men+Care, Fast Twitch Energy Drink, Nike, Gatorade,

Endorsement Deals 2 mins read

Jalen Williams Signs Endorsement Deal With Ecko

Jalen Williams, the Oklahoma City Thunder’s breakout star and newly minted 2025 NBA All-Star, has teamed up with Ecko Unltd. as a brand ambassador and capsule collaborator. The partnership marks a smart evolution for Ecko—reviving its streetwear DNA with the help of a player who’s quietly become one of the most stylish, positionless forces in the league.

Williams—“J-Dub” if you’re paying attention—has helped lead OKC to the #1 seed in the Western Conference this season, averaging over 21 points per game and playing with the kind of length, vision, and versatility that makes coaches drool and stylists take notes. At just 23, he’s not only locked in on the court, he’s also building out a brand persona that feels custom-tailored for Gen Z fans: calm, cool, ultra-efficient.

Ecko Unltd., meanwhile, is in legacy-revival mode. Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, the brand is leaning back into its ‘90s and early-2000s skate-hip-hop ethos, with limited-edition pieces and nostalgia-fueled designs that feel surprisingly current in an era of throwback obsession.

Endorsement Deals 2 mins read

Giannis Antetokounmpo Signs New Endorsement Deal With Castrol

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been named the official brand ambassador for Castrol through the 2025–26 NBA season, because apparently reigning MVPs and motor oil are now a natural pairing. The partnership kicks off with a cinematic new ad airing during the NBA Playoffs, in which Giannis travels—no, not like that—across land, sea, air, and yes, space to highlight Castrol’s industrial reach. It’s less “driving to the basket” and more “driving everything, everywhere, all at once.”

But Castrol isn’t the only pit stop. Giannis

Brand Ambassador 2 mins read

Norman Powell Signs Endorsement Deal with Skechers

Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell has signed an endorsement deal with Skechers, joining a growing roster of basketball talent as the brand continues expanding its presence in the sport.

Background and Career Highlights: Powell played college basketball at UCLA, where he earned First-Team All-Pac-12 honors in his senior year before being selected 46th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. He was traded to the Toronto Raptors on draft night, where he began his professional career. During his five-and-a-half seasons with Toronto, Powell played a key role in the Raptors’ 2019 NBA Championship run, bringing defensive intensity and scoring off the bench.

In March 2021, Powell was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he spent less than a year before another trade sent him to the Los Angeles Clippers in February 2022.

Rep Moves 2 mins read

Agent Wallace Prather Joins LIFT Sports Management

Veteran NBA agent Wallace Prather has joined LIFT Sports Management, bringing with him longtime client Lou Williams and rising star Jabari Smith Jr. Known for his ability to secure top-tier deals and advocate for his players, Prather has built a reputation as one of the most respected agents in the game.

Prather began his career at Immortal Sports Management, where he worked alongside a certified NBA agent before branching out to create his own firm, Wallace Prather Sports Management. His agency quickly made waves when he signed Josh Smith, the 17th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, securing him the top sneaker endorsement deal of that draft class—the second-highest deal of its kind at the time. He later orchestrated one of the most unique deals in basketball history, allowing a college player to compete in his final NCAA game and make his NBA debut in the same week.

In 2010, Prather signed Derrick Favors, a projected top-five pick out of Georgia Tech, who went on to be selected third overall in the NBA

Endorsement Deals 2 mins read

Jrue Holiday Signs New Endorsement Deal with Rhone

Two-time NBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Jrue Holiday has joined forces with performance-driven apparel brand Rhone as its newest brand ambassador. This partnership aims to inspire others while amplifying Rhone’s ongoing collaboration with the NBA. Holiday, who was honored with the 2023 ESPYs Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award, embodies Rhone’s commitment to mental and physical well-being.

Background and Career: Born on June 12, 1990, in Los Angeles, California, Holiday has established himself as one of the premier guards in the NBA. He began his professional career with the Philadelphia 76ers after being selected 17th overall in the 2009 NBA Draft. Over the years, he has played for the New Orleans Pelicans and the Milwaukee Bucks, winning NBA championships with the Bucks in 2021 and the Boston Celtics in 2024. Known for his defensive prowess, Holiday is a two-time NBA All-Star and has been named to multiple NBA All-Defensive Teams.

Community

Endorsement Deals 2 mins read

Josh Green Signs Endorsement Deal with Skechers

Charlotte Hornets guard Josh Green has signed an endorsement deal with Skechers, joining a roster that includes Joel Embiid, Julius Randle, Terance Mann, and Jabari Walker, as well as WNBA player Rickea Jackson. This move marks another major endorsement for Green as he continues to grow his presence both on and off the court.

Background and Career: Green played college basketball for the Arizona Wildcats before declaring for the 2020 NBA Draft, where he was selected 18th overall by the Dallas Mavericks. After spending several seasons in Dallas, he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets in July 2024 as part of a multi-team deal. Internationally, Green has represented Australia, playing a key role in the Boomers’ historic bronze medal win at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Recent Career Highlights: In October 2023, Green signed a three-year,

New Signings 1 mins read

Nickeil Alexander-Walker has signed with CAA

Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the versatile 6’5″ shooting guard currently with the Minnesota Timberwolves, has officially signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) for representation.

Career Highlights: Alexander-Walker was selected 17th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Brooklyn Nets and subsequently traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. He made an immediate impact in his rookie season, showcasing his scoring ability with a career-high 37 points against the Los Angeles Clippers on January 13, 2021.

In 2023, he signed a two-year, $9 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he has continued to be a valuable contributor. On the international stage, Alexander-Walker was part of Canada’s historic bronze medal-winning team at the 2023 FIBA Men’s Basketball World Cup.

By signing with CAA, Alexander-Walker joins a star-studded roster that includes NBA standouts such as Devin Booker, Tyrese

New Signings 2 mins read

Davion Mitchell Signs with Wasserman

Davion Mitchell, the dynamic point guard for the Toronto Raptors, has officially signed with Wasserman for representation. This strategic partnership is expected to enhance Mitchell’s career trajectory both on and off the court.

Career Highlights: Mitchell’s collegiate career at Baylor University was distinguished by his exceptional defensive prowess and leadership. He played a pivotal role in leading the Baylor Bears to their first NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship in 2021, contributing 15 points, six rebounds, and five assists in the title game against Gonzaga.

In recognition of his defensive skills, Mitchell received several accolades, including the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Award, the NABC Defensive Player of the Year award, and the Lefty Driesell Award as the top defensive player in the nation. He also earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors and was named to the First Team All-Big 12.

Transitioning to the NBA, Mitchell was selected ninth overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2021 NBA

Brand Ambassador 2 mins read

Haley Jones Teams Up with SoFi for Her First Home Journey

Haley Jones, the talented basketball player celebrated for her impressive skills on the court and inspiring presence on social media, has embarked on an exciting new chapter in her personal life: she’s officially on the hunt for her first home. To navigate this exciting but often daunting journey, Haley turned to SoFi, a trusted name in personal finance. Known for their award-winning mortgage services, SoFi has been coaching Haley through every step of the home-buying process.

Career Highlights: Haley Jones has built an exceptional career, both on and off the basketball court. A pivotal member of Stanford University’s championship-winning team, she played alongside standout teammate Cameron Brink to clinch the 2021 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship. Her outstanding performances earned her the title of NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, marking her as one of the most impactful players in college basketball.

Off the court, Haley has leveraged

Rep Moves 2 mins read

David Bauman Joins The Familie to Lead NBA Representation

The Familie, the talent agency founded by veteran agent Steve Astephen, has officially expanded its services to include NBA representation with the addition of seasoned agent David Bauman. Bauman joins The Familie after an impressive eight-year tenure at Independent Sports & Entertainment (ISE), where he held key roles as Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and COO of ISE Basketball.

Building NBA Representation at The Familie

Bauman brings with him an established roster of NBA talent, headlined by Dallas Mavericks guard Quentin Grimes and Atlanta Hawks forward Garrison Mathews. The move marks The Familie’s first step into representing professional basketball players, further diversifying its already strong portfolio of athletes across various disciplines.

The Familie is known for representing elite talent in action sports, golf, and more, with a roster that includes motocross legend Travis Pastrana, skateboarder

Basketball 2 mins read

Malik Monk Collaborates with Pizza Guys on New Campaign

Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk has teamed up with Pizza Guys, a Sacramento-based pizza franchise known for its fresh, high-quality offerings, to launch the “Malik Monk Special” in celebration of the basketball season. This collaboration, part of Monk’s brand ambassador role announced earlier this year, features a pizza topped with four premium meats—pepperoni, cup and crisp pepperoni, bacon, and sausage—paired with a side of Cheezee Pepperoni Rolls.

In a unique addition, Pizza Guys has introduced a limited-edition box that transforms into a basketball hoop, allowing fans to shoot hoops at home while watching Monk on the court. Additionally, fans can pick up a Pizza Guys x Malik Monk mini basketball for $4 at participating locations, further enhancing the experience for basketball and pizza lovers alike.

Career Highlights: Malik Monk, born on February 4, 1998, in Jonesboro, Arkansas, has made a name for himself as an electrifying shooting guard in the NBA. After an outstanding college career at the University of Kentucky, where he

Sports 2 mins read

Sophie Cunningham Signs with William Raymond Communications for PR

Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham has officially signed with William Raymond Communications for public relations representation, marking a new chapter in her career as she broadens her presence beyond the basketball court. Cunningham continues to be represented by Golden Standard Sports and Entertainment.

Career Highlights: Sophie Cunningham, a standout player known for her resilience and leadership, first rose to prominence during her collegiate career at the University of Missouri. As a Tiger, she became the all-time leading scorer in Missouri program history, amassing 2,187 points. Cunningham’s performance earned her three First-Team All-SEC selections, highlighting her as one of the top players in the conference.

In the 2019 WNBA Draft, Cunningham was selected 13th overall by the Phoenix Mercury. Since joining the league, she has made a significant impact, known for her versatility and tenacity on the court. During the 2024 season, she averaged

Subscribe to Get the Latest Updates

Basketball