NBA To McDonald’s: Miss U

You know what is kind of crazy? (Besides the fact the Hawks signed Marian Hossa to a 12-year deal, which means it expires in 2021, which means I’ll be 36 then, which means, well, that is just a very long contract. I hope we have flying cars by then.)

McDonald’s and the NBA have been intertwined for nearly 30 years, as the burger giant has been the league’s official fast food sponsor since 1990. But today, it’s no more. Today, it’s reported Taco Bell has stepped in and signed a four-year deal with the league, which will ensure impressionable youths watching basketball will run to their nearest Taco Bell and get the new Bacon Cheesy Potato Burrito. Bacon in a burrito, you don’t say!

From Sport Business Daily (subscription required):

Industry sources said the deal includes a heavy media component on NBA rightsholders ABC, ESPN and TNT, themed promos at the chain’s 5,600 restaurants, themed advertising, title to the All-Star Saturday Night Skills Challenge and an associate sponsorship of the NBA’s Jam Session All-Star Game Fan Fest.

Remember how shameless Taco Bell was integrated into the World Series two years ago, and to a lesser degree, but still pretty prominent last year? Get ready for that, NBA fans.

I mean, what kind of idiot falls for those marketing gimmicks anyway … oh wait.

HT: SbB

Posted at 4:50 pm
on July 1st, 2009
Tags: Basketball, NBA, Sponorships