Report: 2016, 2017 All-Star jerseys to feature advertisements
For the first time in league history, advertisements will appear on NBA jerseys in February.
The Association will introduce a 3.25-inch-by-1.6-inch "Kia Motors Corp." patch on the upper left chest area of players' jerseys during the 2016 All-Star Game in Toronto, The Wall Street Journal's Sara Germano reports.
The South Korean automotive company's patch will also appear on the 2017 All-Star jerseys when the annual exhibition game occurs in Charlotte, N.C.
The patch's debut at this season's All-Star game will mark the first time any of the four major American pro sports leagues allow advertising on its jerseys during competition.
Conversely, ads on uniforms are commonplace in other sports such as NASCAR and in European soccer leagues.
The deal was brokered between Turner Sports - the league's media rights holder - and Kia Motors America - the league's auto partner. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
By implementing the patch during the All-Star games - rather than during regular season games - the process of gaining approval from team owners has been circumvented, and consequently, logistical obstacles avoided.
Adidas - whose exclusive uniform deal with the league expires after the 2016-17 campaign - will design and produce the All-Star jerseys.