The National Basketball Association (NBA) has partnered with BIGHIT MUSIC, the label behind global K-pop sensation BTS, to name South Korean rapper and BTS star SUGA as an NBA Ambassador for the remainder of the 2022-23 season and beyond (NBA, 2023).
According to the official statement by the NBA, SUGA’s role as an ambassador will include engaging with NBA fans worldwide through various league initiatives, attending NBA games and events in both the U.S. and Asia, participating in promotional activities, and collaborating with the NBA on select concerts throughout his first solo world tour in support of his debut solo album, D-DAY (NBA, 2023).
SUGA’s love for basketball has been widely publicized, and he has incorporated it into several of BTS’ projects, most notably in the music video for the group’s hit song “Dynamite,” which features SUGA on the basketball court wearing a ‘Tune Squad’ jersey (NBA, 2023).
In a statement, SUGA expressed his excitement for the partnership, saying, “Music and basketball have been shared passions of mine since my youth, and it’s a dream to be named an NBA Ambassador. I’m excited to formalize my relationship with the NBA, and I can’t wait to share some exciting collaborations I have planned with the league over the coming months” (NBA, 2023).
Mark Tatum, NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer, also expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, “We’re thrilled to join forces with SUGA – a superstar musician, fashion icon, and passionate NBA fan. We look forward to working with SUGA to bring the same excitement he engenders from his global fanbase in support of our continued efforts to grow our brand” (NBA, 2023).
SUGA has attended several NBA games in the past, including the Golden State Warriors and Washington Wizards preseason game in Japan in 2022, where he sat courtside and met with NBA players like Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. He also attended a Dallas Mavericks at Los Angeles Lakers game on January 12, 2023 (NBA, 2023).
Reference:
NBA. (2023, April 7). NBA names BTS star SUGA as an NBA Ambassador. NBA.com.https://www.nba.com/news/bts-star-suga-named-nba-ambassador
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