The Memphis Grizzlies are a professional basketball team from the US that were founded in 1995 as the Vancouver Grizzlies. The Grizzlies compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a Western Conference Southwest Division member.
Founded as the Vancouver Grizzlies in the Canadian city of Vancouver as an expansion franchise for the 1995-96 NBA season, the Grizzlies moved to Memphis after the 2000-01 season. They are the only professional basketball team in Tennessee and the only team based in Memphis competing in the top professional North American sports leagues.
In this article, we take a look at the companies and organisations that serve as the Official Sponsors/Partners to the Memphis Grizzlies — a western conference basketball team competing in the National Basketball Association (NBA) — and enjoy a strong branding presence across its physical and digital assets.
Corporate Partner
Official Stadium Naming Partner
FedEx
The Memphis Grizzlies announced in October 2002 that their US$250m stadium would be named FedExForum as part of a multi-year agreement with FedEx, a supplier of transportation, e-commerce, and business services.
The projected value of the 20-year contract with the Memphis-based business has been reported yo be around US$90 million. FedEx also became the first jersey patch sponsor of the Memphis Grizzlies in 2018 and held the position through the 2021-22 season.
Official Sports Drink
Cintron
In September 2021, Cintron World was announced as the official energy drink of the Memphis Grizzlies. Cintron also uploaded a promotional video captioned “Cintron World x Memphis Grizzlies” to tip-off the partnership.
Official Betting Partner
FanDuel
The Grizzlies signed a multi-year deal with FanDuel, a developer of fantasy sports games, in November 2020. The agreement sees FanDuel serve as the Grizzlies’ exclusive daily fantasy partner and official betting partner.
Official Sports Betting Partner
Caesars Sportsbook
In August 2022, the Memphis Grizzlies struck a multi-year partnership with Caesars Sportsbook.
Caesars Sportsbook utilises the Grizzlies’ digital presence, including social media and web and mobile applications, as an Official Sports Betting Partner of the team. It also acquired the presenting entitlement to the Caesars Sportsbook Lounge inside FedExForum.
Official Outfitter of the Dance team, the Grizz
Varsity Spirit
In July 2019, the Memphis Grizzlies and Varsity Spirit, a manufacturer of apparel for cheerleading and dance teams, announced their multi-year relationship. The business was named both the Official Outfitter of the Memphis Grizzlies Dance Team, the Grizz Girls, and an Official Partner of the NBA team.
Official Bank
Pinnacle
In August 2016, the Memphis Grizzlies and Pinnacle Financial Partners established a multi-year collaboration, making Pinnacle the official bank of the team and FedExForum.
Together, the Grizzlies and Pinnacle have developed a platform of fan-first goods and services, all aimed at capturing and fostering Grizz Nation’s fervour. Ahead of the current season, as the official bank of the Grizzlies, starting November 16, 2023 through January 12, 2024, users will receive a US$200 Direct Deposit bonus and will be entered into the “Grizzmas Floor Seating” drawings when they open a new Grizzlies banking account.
Official Athletic Apparel
Nike
In October 2017, the Grizzlies and Nike announced a multi-year agreement that intended to expand youth basketball and provide kids in Grind City with enjoyable and healthy experiences on the court.
The partnership designates Nike as the Grizzlies Youth Basketball and GrizzFit platforms’ presenting partner as well as the team’s official athletic apparel and footwear partner.
Official Jeweller
Sissy’s Log Cabin
The Grizzlies announced Sissy’s Log Cabin the Official Jeweller of the Memphis Grizzlies and FedExForum in April 2022, following the announcement of their collaboration with the family-run jewellery retailer.
Official Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Provider
OrthoSouth
In September 2022, the Memphis Grizzlies and OrthoSouth announced a 10-year strategic partnership, making OrthoSouth the Official Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Provider of the Memphis Grizzlies. As part of the deal, OrthoSouth will have prominent brand alignment across the entire Grizzlies ecosystem, including starting lineups, behind-the-scenes content, in-arena entitlement zones, fan-focused health & wellness platforms, and more.
Official Post-Game Hangout Partner
WKND Hang Suite
WKND Hang Suite, a lounge and hangout concept part of Suite Lyfe Hospitality, became an official partner of the Grizzlies in November 2022 after signing a multi-year partnership agreement. As part of the deal, WKND Hang Suite will become the premium courtside destination inside FedExForum and postgame hangout after a home win.
Official Partners
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A, an American fast-food chain, has been an Official Partner of the Memphis Grizzlies since the 2019-20 season.
Memphis Airport
In April 2015, Memphis Airport struck a three-year marketing partnership and business sponsorship deal with the Memphis Grizzlies, the agreement reportedly being worth more than US$500,000. Later in June 2018, Memphis Airport extended its deal with the Grizzlies, although the exact length of the deal wasn’t made public at the time.
Memphis International placed advertisements inside FedExForum as part of the agreement. The arrangement also covers giveaways of plane travel and tickets to Grizzlies away games.
Mid South
In October 2015, the Grizzlies and the Mid-South Ford Dealers announced a multi-year sponsorship that featured the jointly-branded “We Got Next!” youth educational empowerment scholarship programme and naming rights to the team’s practice facility inside FedExForum, now known as the Built Ford Tough Training Facility.
Hennessy
Through a multi-year collaboration, cognac merchant Hennessy was named the official spirit of the Memphis Grizzlies in March 2021.
Verizon
In May 2021, the Memphis Grizzlies announced Verizon, a telecommunications services provider, as an official sponsor of the team as part of a multi-year agreement. Verizon is designated by the arrangement as the team’s sole 5G mobile partner.
Aside from the Grizzlies, the following 15 NBA teams have installed Verizon’s 5G technology in their arenas: the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Denver Nuggets, the Detroit Pistons, the Golden State Warriors, the LA Clippers, the LA Lakers, the New York Knicks, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Phoenix Suns, the Portland Trail Blazers, the Sacramento Kings, the Utah Jazz, and the Washington Wizards.
Socios.com
The Memphis Grizzlies and Socios.com, a global blockchain supplier for sports and entertainment, announced their alliance in October 2021.
Appetize
The Memphis Grizzlies announced in October 2021 the extension of their collaboration with Appetize, a division of SpotOn, a software and payments firm, to supply cloud technology for all FedExForum concessions transactions.
Big River Steel
Big River Steel, a US Steel owned manufacturer of steel products, signed a partnership agreement with the Memphis Grizzlies in September 2022. As per the deal, the Memphis Grizzlies announced Big River Steel Edge, a newly renovated space on the Terrace level of FedExForum that will provide an enhanced fan experience. In addition, the Terrace Level of FedExForum will also be known as Big River Steel Terrace.
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