![\"The](\"https:\/\/mms.businesswire.com\/media\/20260317827221\/en\/2748700\/4\/NBA_%2B_SLEEK_1360x700.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\nSprite Returns as League\u2019s Official Global Soft Drink<\/p>\n
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
\nThe National Basketball Association (NBA) and The Coca-Cola Company today announced a new global marketing partnership, bringing Sprite\u00ae back as the league\u2019s Official Global Soft Drink Partner.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The National Basketball Association and The Coca-Cola Company announce a new global marketing partnership, bringing Sprite\u00ae back as the league\u2019s Official Global Soft Drink Partner.<\/p>\n
\nThe agreement marks the return of one of the NBA\u2019s most iconic brand collaborations, reuniting two names that have shared a deep connection to basketball culture for decades. Sprite, the world\u2019s leading lemon-lime soft drink, will serve as the exclusive soft drink partner of the NBA across a global footprint.<\/p>\n
\nThe Coca-Cola Company first partnered with the NBA in 1986, and for nearly three decades, Sprite helped shape how basketball connects with fans across sport, music, fashion and self-expression. From the cultural impact of \u201cObey Your Thirst\u201d in North America, to streetball tournaments in Asia, player-led collaborations in Latin America, and culture-driven activations across Europe and Africa, Sprite\u2019s heritage within basketball culture spans generations and continents. Sprite also served as the title sponsor of the Slam Dunk Contest at NBA All-Star from 2003-2016. Together, Sprite and the NBA helped define how brands show up authentically in the culture surrounding the game.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cSprite has always been a brand that celebrates individuality and self-expression, values that resonate deeply with basketball fans worldwide,\u201d said Kerry Tatlock, EVP Global Marketing Partnerships and Media, NBA. \u201cWe\u2019re thrilled to welcome Sprite back to the NBA family and look forward to collaborating together on new ways for fans to experience the game.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cBasketball is central to the DNA of Sprite,\u201d said Manolo Arroyo, EVP and Global Chief Marketing Officer, The Coca-Cola Company. \u201cReuniting with the NBA is about co-creating what’s next \u2013 experimenting with new fan experiences, exploring emerging formats and meeting the next generation where they are. Basketball is not just a game; it’s a global cultural engine, and Sprite, together with the NBA, will help to fuel the moments and memories that drive it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nDeepening its commitment to athletes who embody bold originality and individuality, Sprite is continuing to build on its existing relationship with 2026 NBA All-Star Game MVP Anthony Edwards. Edwards represents a new generation of global stars whose influence extends beyond the court, making him a natural partner for Sprite.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cI love that Sprite has always been a brand that pushes you to do things your way,\u201d said Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves Guard. \u201cBeing a part of this legendary partnership between Sprite and the NBA is incredible. I’m excited to represent the brand and show the next generation the power of staying true to yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nUnder the new agreement, Sprite will activate across NBA\u2019s biggest global stages, including league tentpole moments, as well as international events like NBA Global Games. Through the partnership, fans will see immersive experiences, custom content series on NBA platforms, and exclusive promotions that bring them closer to NBA fandom.<\/p>\n
\nThe renewed collaboration builds on recent momentum, including the introduction of co-branded, limited-edition Sprite cans featuring select NBA teams in participating markets \u2013 giving fans a new way to celebrate their local fandom and regional pride. Through integrated global marketing campaigns, digital-first storytelling, retail programs and in-market fan experiences, Sprite will connect the energy of basketball directly to ultimate refreshment. The partnership builds on Sprite\u2019s existing relationships with the NBA family, which include team partnerships with 17 NBA teams.<\/p>\n
\nAbout the NBA<\/p>\n
\nThe National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. Built around five professional sports leagues: the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and Basketball Africa League, the NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 214 countries and territories in more than 50 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 200 countries and territories on all seven continents. NBA rosters at the start of the 2025-26 season featured a record 135 international players from a record-tying 43 countries. The NBA\u2019s digital assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass. The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with more than 2.5 billion likes and followers globally across all leagues, team and player platforms. NBA Cares, the NBA\u2019s global social impact platform celebrating its 20th year, drives change on issues facing fans and communities in the areas of health and wellness, civic engagement, social justice and inclusion, and sustainability.<\/p>\n
\nAbout The Coca-Cola Company<\/p>\n
\nThe Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company\u2019s purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Fuze Tea, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and AdeS. We\u2019re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people\u2019s lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.coca-colacompany.com<\/a> and follow us on Instagram<\/a>, Facebook<\/a> and LinkedIn<\/a>.<\/p>\n \nMedia Contacts: Source: The Coca-Cola Company<\/p>\n Released March 17, 2026<\/p>\n
\n
NBA: Karel Calcote, kcalcote@nba.com
\n<\/a>
The Coca-Cola Company: Elizabeth Conway, elconway@coca-cola.com<\/a><\/p>\n
\n