Rahul SahaThis article contains information about the organisations serving as official sponsors and partners to National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise Memphis Grizzlies during the 2023/24 season.
Corporate Partners
Official Stadium Naming Partner: FedEx
The Memphis Grizzlies announced in October 2002 that their US$250m stadium would officially be named “FedExForum” as part of a multi-year agreement with FedEx, a supplier of transportation, e-commerce, and business services.
The projected value of the Grizzlies’ contract with the Memphis-based business has been reported to be around US$90 million. FedEx also became the first jersey patch sponsor of the Memphis Grizzlies in 2018 and held the position through the 2021/22 season.
Official Sports Drink: Cintron
In September 2021, Cintron World was announced as the official energy drink of the Memphis Grizzlies. Cintron also uploaded a promotional video captioned “Cintron World x Memphis Grizzlies” to kick off the partnership.
Official Betting Partner: FanDuel
The Grizzlies signed a multi-year deal with FanDuel, a developer of fantasy sports games, in November 2020.
The agreement sees FanDuel serve as the Grizzlies’ exclusive daily fantasy partner and official betting partner.
Official Sports Betting Partner: Caesars Sportsbook
In August 2022, the Memphis Grizzlies struck a multi-year partnership agreement with Caesars Sportsbook.
As per the deal, Caesars Sportsbook utilises the Grizzlies’ digital presence, including social media and web and mobile applications, as their Official Sports Betting Partner. It also holds the presenting entitlement to the Caesars Sportsbook Lounge inside FedExForum.
Official Outfitter of the Dance team, the Grizz: Varsity Spirit
In July 2019, the Memphis Grizzlies and Varsity Spirit, a manufacturer of apparel for cheerleading and dance teams, announced a multi-year partnership agreement.
As per the deal, Varsity Spirit acts as both the Official Outfitter of the Memphis Grizzlies Dance Team, the Grizz Girls, and an Official Partner of the NBA team.
Official Bank: Pinnacle
In August 2016, the Memphis Grizzlies and Pinnacle Financial Partners announced a multi-year collaboration agreement, which made Pinnacle the official bank of both the Grizzlies and FedExForum.
Together, the Grizzlies and Pinnacle have developed a platform of fan-first goods and services, all aimed at capturing and fostering the Grizz Nation’s fervour.
Official Athletic Apparel: Nike
In October 2017, the Grizzlies and Nike announced a multi-year agreement that intended to expand youth basketball and provide kids in Grind City with enjoyable and healthy experiences on the court.
The partnership designates Nike as the Grizzlies Youth Basketball and GrizzFit platforms’ presenting partner as well as the team’s official athletic apparel and footwear partner.
Official Jeweller: Sissy’s Log Cabin
Sissy’s Log Cabin was announced as the Official Jeweller of the Grizzlies and FedExForum in April 2022.
Official Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Provider: OrthoSouth
In September 2022, the Memphis Grizzlies and OrthoSouth announced a ten-year strategic partnership agreement, the latter becoming the Official Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Provider of the former in the process.
As part of the deal, OrthoSouth enjoys prominent brand alignment across the entire Grizzlies ecosystem, including starting line-ups, behind-the-scenes content, in-arena entitlement zones, fan-focused health & wellness platforms, and more.
Official Post-Game Hangout Partner: WKND Hang Suite
WKND Hang Suite, a lounge and hangout concept part of Suite Lyfe Hospitality, became an official partner of the Grizzlies in November 2022 after signing a multi-year partnership agreement.
As part of the deal, WKND Hang Suite acts as the premium courtside destination inside FedExForum.
Official Partners
Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A, an American fast-food chain, has been an Official Partner of the Memphis Grizzlies since the 2019/20 NBA season.
Memphis International Airport
In April 2015, Memphis International Airport struck a three-year marketing partnership and business sponsorship agreement with the Memphis Grizzlies, which was reportedly worth more than US$500,000.
In June 2018, Memphis International Airport extended its deal with the Grizzlies, although the exact length of the deal wasn’t made public at the time.
Memphis International Airport gets to place advertisements inside FedExForum as part of the agreement. The deal also entails giveaways of plane travel and tickets to Grizzlies away games.
Mid-South Ford Dealers
In October 2015, the Grizzlies and the Mid-South Ford Dealers announced a multi-year sponsorship deal that featured the jointly-branded “We Got Next!” youth educational empowerment scholarship programme as well as the naming rights to the team’s practice facility inside FedExForum, now known as the “Built Ford Tough Training Facility”.
Hennessy
Through a multi-year collaboration agreement, cognac merchant Hennessy was named the official spirit of the Memphis Grizzlies in March 2021.
Verizon
In May 2021, the Memphis Grizzlies announced Verizon, a telecommunications services provider, as one of their official sponsors as part of a multi-year agreement. Verizon thus serves as the team’s sole 5G mobile partner.
Aside from the Grizzlies, the following 15 NBA teams have installed Verizon’s 5G tech at their respective arenas: the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Denver Nuggets, the Detroit Pistons, the Golden State Warriors, the LA Clippers, the LA Lakers, the New York Knicks, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Phoenix Suns, the Portland Trail Blazers, the Sacramento Kings, the Utah Jazz, and the Washington Wizards.
Socios.com
The Memphis Grizzlies and Socios.com, a global blockchain supplier for sports and entertainment, have had a partnership agreement in place since October 2021.
Appetize
The Memphis Grizzlies announced in October 2021 the extension of their collaboration with Appetize, a division of software and payments company SpotOn, to provide cloud technology for all FedExForum concessions transactions.
Big River Steel
Big River Steel, a US Steel-owned manufacturer of steel products, signed a partnership agreement with the Memphis Grizzlies in September 2022.
As per the deal, the Grizzlies unveiled Big River Steel Edge, a newly-renovated space on the Terrace level of FedExForum to provide an enhanced fan experience. This space is also known as “Big River Steel Terrace” in accordance with the agreement.
