The star basketball player of the National Basketball Association (NBA) outfit, Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo has penned down a global endorsement deal with WhatsApp. In this association, Antetokounmpo became the first-ever brand spokesperson and global partner of the messaging platform.
This deal came in line with the first-ever marketing venture of the meta-owned platform in the US. Through this partnership, the NBA player will get featured in the exclusive content, community outreach programmes and special events of the popular digital platform.
To mark this association, he utilized the supreme stage of the NBA All-Star 2022 event in Cleveland. The two time Kia MVP of NBA wore a customized green hoodie crafted by the Nigerian-American designer, Niyi Okuboyejo in the event. This apparel depicted the international calling code for his home town Nigeria, 234 on the front side. It also highlighted his playing jersey number that is 34 and his Yoruba name, “Adetokunbo” on the backside as an ode to his family grassroots.
Giannis Antetokounmpo commented on this historic signing and said, “I love the idea, on this big stage to represent where my family’s from, my culture, and the people in Nigeria. When I have an opportunity for an endorsement, I have to make sure I really enjoy doing it, and it makes sense. Everything I do is authentic. I’m not trying to promote just any company to grab the money.”
He further added, “Time is very important. I have my family, and I need the time to dedicate to be great at what I do, which is basketball. When I get myself involved with a brand partnership, it has to be as authentic as possible, and I let them know I’m not here to just say some nonsense in interviews or whatever. It has to be an authentic fit. The fans can tell, too. They know if you’re just doing it for the money, or you really believe what you’re saying.”
The 27-year-old Greek athlete has attained some great deals in a short span. He currently has lucrative deals with prominent brands such as Nike, JBL headphones and Google Pixel. He also has a small ownership stake in the sports drink brand, Ready Nutrition and the Major League Basketball (MLB) team, Milwaukee Brewers.