Brand SA, VALO to join NBL x NBA tour

The Adelaide 36ers are thrilled to announce a major partnership with Brand SA and VALO for the upcoming NBL x NBA pre-season tour to the US.

Minister for Trade and Investment Nick Champion MP said the US visit will help South Australian businesses create and strengthen relationships with potential trade and investment partners.

“South Australia’s logo will be proudly emblazoned on the uniform as our State’s favourite basketball team competes with the world’s best in the game on a global stage,” Minister Champion said.

“Delivering on another election commitment, the re-establishment of Brand SA has led to much work being done to form this partnership with the 36ers.

“The Adelaide 36ers will be the only NBL team touring the United States and it offers a unique and significant opportunity to tell our state’s story.”

Adelaide 36ers owner and chairman Grant Kelley said the opportunity both on and off the court for the club is significant.

“We are just so proud, the State Government are taking very seriously what the 36ers represent, both nationally and internationally.” Mr Kelley said.

The NBL x NBA tour will include a delegation of South Australian business representatives who will work closely with, and gain support from, South Australian Government offices in New York, Houston and San Francisco. 

The games in Phoenix and Oklahoma will help promote and support trade and investment opportunities for South Australia.  

After the tour to the US, the new partnership will also provide other promotional opportunities and extend through the NBL23 season.  

Adelaide 36ers CEO Nic Barbato said the club is thrilled to take Brand SA onto the international stage during the pre-season trip next month.

“We are proud to be partnering with Brand SA to highlight and promote South Australia’s profile, trade, investment and tourism opportunities in the US,” Barbato said.

“We are also pleased to be extending the partnership into the NBL23 season.”

VALO CEO and founder Aaron Hickmann said the opportunity to be part of the NBL x NBA experience was a perfect fit. 

"We are a South Australian manufacturing company expanding into the US, partnering with an iconic South Australian sporting entity, strengthening the connection to their US counterparts,” Mr Hickmann said.

"VALO's first US office will open in Houston, Texas, by the end of the year, and this partnership bolsters our relations with key players within the US sporting industry.

"Our first major lighting project was with Adelaide 36ers for Adelaide Arena, and we're delighted our first major US partnership is with the same club."

The club leave for the US on Wednesday morning and will play the Phoenix Suns on Monday at 11.30am (SA time) with broadcast details to be announced soon.