#USA #Spalding #Bowling Green #Overtime #Overtime Elite

Spalding Partners with Overtime Elite

In an exciting development for the basketball community, Spalding, a renowned leader in basketball equipment, has officially partnered with Overtime and Overtime Elite (OTE) to enhance the game's reach and influence. As part of this multi-faceted agreement, Spalding's Legacy TF-1000 basketball has been designated as the official ball for all Overtime Elite games. This partnership not only signifies Spalding's commitment to excellence but also opens up new avenues for engaging with young athletes and fans.

The Significance of the Partnership

This collaboration comes at a pivotal time as Overtime continues to gain momentum, particularly among Gen Z athletes and their followers. Overtime, recognized for its digital-first approach to sports media, boasts impressive engagement metrics with over 3 billion monthly views and a vibrant community of over 115 million followers — a staggering 81% of which are aged under 35. Through this partnership, Spalding aims to foster a connection with this younger demographic while establishing its presence in both the performance and lifestyle segments of basketball.

Overtime Elite, aiming to redefine how young athletes transition into professional sports, offers a unique blend of professional training, academic support, and the opportunity for compensation. This not only provides a pathway to the NBA but also preserves the players' NCAA eligibility. The future of basketball appears bright, with Spalding as a fundamental part of this vision.

Empowering Next-Gen Athletes

Matt Maresca, Sr. Manager of Brand Communications and Licensing at Spalding, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership stating, "Spalding is proud to be the official licensed and on-court game basketball partner of Overtime and Overtime Elite. This multi-faceted partnership underscores our commitment to delivering top-notch equipment that meets the demands of elite level athletes while also being front and center to engage with them digitally. By inspiring the next generation of athletes and assisting them on their journey, we aim to empower them to unlock their full potential and push boundaries, realizing their dreams both on and off the court."

This sentiment resonates with Overtime’s core philosophy as well. Jesse Shaw, VP and Head of Sales League Partnerships at Overtime, highlighted Spalding's historical significance in basketball, stating, "Spalding's been built into the DNA of basketball. Now the TF-1000 becomes part of Overtime Elite's story — where the next era of hoop culture begins."

Retail Collaboration and Future Activations

The retail aspect of this partnership will kick off with a special product launch in Q4 2025 at Target stores. Features will include an OTE team logo-inspired basketball prominently displayed alongside other Overtime and OTE hardgoods such as bags and hydration products. This initiative marks the beginning of a series of planned retail activations aimed at creating engaging experiences for the next generation of athletes and fans alike.

Moreover, Spalding has established itself as a premier basketball equipment brand since its inception in 1876. As a front-runner in sports gear, the company has built significant affiliations with high schools, colleges, and professional leagues around the world, reinforcing its status as an authority in the realm of basketball equipment.

About Overtime and Its Vision

Overtime's mission extends beyond merely being a sports media company. It empowers the next generation of athletes and fans through innovative digital platforms, nurturing new sports leagues and creating original content. With a current focus on basketball through OTE and Overtime Select, as well as football and boxing, the organization is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of sports entertainment and engagement.

In conclusion, the partnership between Spalding and Overtime Elite signifies a pivotal moment in basketball. Through innovative products, retail engagement, and the development of young athletes, this collaboration aims to redefine the future of basketball culture while inspiring and empowering the next generation of sports stars. As both organizations venture into uncharted territories within the sports domain, the collective effort promises to excite fans and athletes alike for years to come.