Nike Sports Marketing hosted the next generation of sponsored NBA rookie athletes for a three-day event in Nike’s home city of Beaverton.
MISSION
Create an emotional bond between NIKE and Athlete to make sure NIKE will remain their No. 1 Partner on their way turning pro and beyond.
VISION
Create 360° ambassadors emotionally connected to the brand.
Nike Sports Marketing welcomed
Brandon Miller
Charlotte Hornets
Amen Thompson
Houston Rockets
Ausar Thompson
Detroit Pistons
Anthony Black
Orlando Magic
Bilal Coulibaly
Washington Wizards
Cason Wallace
Oklahoma City Thunder
Dereck Lively II
Dallas Mavericks
Jordan Hawkins
New Orleans Pelicans
Keyonte George
Utah Jazz
Oliver-Maxence Prosper
Dallas Mavericks
Julian Strawther
Denver Nuggets
Kobe Brown
Los Angeles Clippers
FORMING NIKE AMBASSADOR
Nike Genesis at WHQ
Provide them Training, Products and Services they need to perform on the field and authentically represent Nike off the court.
The best storytelling capability brought directly to the athlete.
Partner with Athletes to create connection directly in Athlete Communities.
Create spaces for Athletes to interact in service of furthering their needs and connections.
Prefontaine Hall was the epicenter for the week, complete with state-of-the-art branding and personalized lockers for each athlete equipped with exclusive Nike seeded product & other perks.
GOOSEBUMP INTRODUCTION & ORANGE CARPET ROLLOUT MOMENT
WELCOME
ATHLETE HUB
TO THE
Help athletes shine when the world is watching them off the court.
Provides athletes with products that maximize their performance potential.
At the historic Coach K Fitness Center, the rookie class meet Nike employees who were testing three GT Series sneakers. Phenominal employee engagement moment.
With exclusive access to the LeBron James Innovation Center for a workout, individual body and foot scans & another sneaker/gear drop, athletes were privy to the home of game changing products & experiences while collecting proactive prototype data on each athlete.
Data Collection & Insight session using exclusive Nike footwear & getting feedback & opinions from the athletes.
Athletes were given access to historic Blue Ribbon Studio, where they were partnered with another wave of next generation creatives from the Nike cross functional design team to create unique, individualized apparel pieces.
The best storytelling capability brought directly to the athlete.
After creating their unique pieces, they were judged by legendary Nike designers Tinker Hatfield & Wilson Smith, as well as emerging designer Toussaint King, creator of the Nike Genesis name & logo.
Our athletes learned that being vulnerable is a staple to great storytelling. This enables us to create the most authentic product that resonates with the masses.
Ambassador 101 Training was an intimate conversation about how to take ownership over their relationship with Nike to maximize their brand. We also emphasized what it takes to be a strong partner and understand the responsibilities of a Nike ambassador.
Social Media Training educated our athletes on how to build their brand on social media while avoiding the pitfalls that can come while utilizing them.
Nike Rookie Class Photo Shoot
Social Media Content Capture
Athletes brought tailored fits from the styling session to life and received professional, personalized headshots to be used for their brand throughout their rookie season. Athletes also took a Nike Ambassador Rookie Class photo which will be used professionally and personally.
Athletes helped create potential viral content for their personal brands & Nike. The Rookies had a first hand look at how content is curated to enhance their brand & image.
Create unmatched and undeniable value with the athlete.
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
- John Quincy Adams
As real as it gets, a “free game” session from former and current NBA players Channing Frye, Buddy Hield & Thaddeus Young set the tone and expectations of everything the rookies can expect in the league, hosted by Lynn Merritt.
Between the main activities, the athletes were able to enjoy their free time.
