The BIG3 announced the expansion of their partnership with Microsoft, naming them the Official Technology Partner of the league. The partnership will include Microsoft and Xbox as the official jersey patch partner, in-game signage, and product pop-ups. Of the 12 teams in the BIG3, six will have Microsoft branding on their jerseys and six will have Xbox. Microsoft will also present the “BIG3 Season MVP” and “Player of the Week,” the latter of which will be chosen by a fan vote during each week. This collaboration follows last month’s successful 2021 BIG3 SuperDraft at the Microsoft Lounge in Los Angeles, where Isaiah Austin was picked first overall by the Enemies. The season is slated for tip-off on July 10 at Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV and will be broadcasted live on CBS Sports, Triller, and FITE TV.
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“We could not be more pleased to take our relationship with Microsoft to the next level,” said BIG3 CEO Christopher Hannan. “Their brand and technology elevate the BIG3’s approach to innovating the game by engaging fans across platforms on multiple screens. From their work supporting the BIG3 SuperDraft with Microsoft Teams and Surface, to the season-long partnership, Microsoft understands the vision of our league and we are excited to have them on board as we prepare for this weekend’s highly anticipated return.”
“Extending our partnership with the BIG3 makes perfect sense as we see opportunities for our technology to authentically help the BIG3 achieve more of their goals across the league and with their fans. We are excited to continue to support BIG3 and their vision for incredible entertainment that also drives positive change.” – James Bernstrom, Director, Strategic Partnerships, Microsoft
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Additionally, Microsoft will become the presenting sponsor of Young3, the BIG3’s youth program that provides children in local communities with the opportunity to enrich their lives through the game of 3-on-3 basketball with the first Young3 event being held on July 16th in Las Vegas. As this partnership grows, it will open the door for future BIG3 events at the Microsoft Lounge and will involve cross-promotion between BIG3 and Microsoft’s owned and operated social media accounts.
Known as a ground-breaking league that focuses on innovation, BIG3 implemented notable rule changes following the 2019 season which included lowering the minimum age of athletes from 27 to 22 and opening the league to all nonprofessional and professional athletes that want to try out. The BIG3’s regular season will run in Las Vegas and New Orleans. The playoffs, consolation, and championship will be held at Atlantis Paradise Island in the Bahamas.
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