76ERS, STUBHUB SIGN THREE-YEAR DEAL FOR JERSEY PATCH
The Philadelphia 76ers became the first team to take advantage of the NBA’s new stance on jersey advertisements, announcing Monday that a patch for StubHub would appear on the team’s uniforms.
The NBA announced last month that it would be the first league among the four major sports to allow advertising on regular-season uniforms as part of a three-year trial approved by owners. Teams will be allowed to sell advertising in the form of a patch, approximately 21⁄ inches 2 by 21⁄ inches, beginning in the 2 2017-18 season, coinciding with Nike’s new deal with the league.
“First off, hats off to (NBA Commissioner) Adam Silver,” Sixers CEO Scott O’Neil told USA TODAY Sports. “He’s a commissioner who will take opportunities and will make the right decision and sometimes the tough decision and he continues to lead through policy. He gives teams the opportunity to drive our business.”
The three-year deal is worth $5 million per season, according to a person with knowledge of the deal. The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.
Jersey advertising is projected to generate about $150 million annually, revenue that will be split among the league, teams and players under the rules of the 2011 collective bargaining agreement.
Teams are given the option to sell jerseys with sponsor patches in their retail stores, something the 76ers announced they plan to do under the deal.