Louis Vuitton and NBA announce global partnership including exclusive travel case for The Larry O’Brien Trophy
PARIS AND NEW YORK – Louis Vuitton and the National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced a multiyear partnership that makes the French fashion house the first official Trophy Travel Case provider of the NBA. The partnership marks Louis Vuitton’s first and only partnership with a North American sports league.
Expertly hand-crafted in Louis Vuitton’s historic Asnières workshop on the outskirts of Paris, the trunk is coated in the House’s emblematic Monogram canvas and fitted with traditional brass fixtures. The bespoke case will house and display The Larry O’Brien Trophy that is presented annually in June to the NBA team that wins The Finals.
“Louis Vuitton and the NBA are both icons and leaders in their respective fields, and the joining of the two promises exciting and surprising moments, forging historic memories together,” said Louis Vuitton Chairman and CEO Michael Burke. “Louis Vuitton has long been associated with the world’s most coveted trophies, and with this iconic partnership the legacy continues – victory does indeed travel in Louis Vuitton!”
“The NBA Finals is defined by iconic players and memorable performances, culminating with the presentation of The Larry O’Brien Trophy,” said NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum. “The tradition, heritage and identity of Louis Vuitton create a natural synergy with the NBA, and this partnership provides a unique and befitting way to showcase our championship trophy to our fans around the world.”
The NBA and Louis Vuitton will also work together to co-author compelling stories regarding one of sport’s most symbolic trophies and its unique travel companion. As part of the expansive partnership with the NBA, Louis Vuitton will create an annual limited-edition capsule collection, with details to be announced at a later date.
The announcement was made ahead of The NBA Paris Game 2020 Presented by beIN SPORTS, which will feature the Charlotte Hornets and Milwaukee Bucks playing the first-ever regular-season NBA game in France on Friday, Jan. 24 at the AccorHotels Arena.
About the NBA
The NBA is a global sports and media business built around four professional sports leagues: the National Basketball Association, the Women’s National Basketball Association, the NBA G League and the NBA 2K League. The NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming in 215 countries and territories in nearly 50 languages, and merchandise for sale in more than 100,000 stores in 100 countries on six continents. NBA rosters at the start of the 2019-20 season featured 108 international players from 38 countries and territories. NBA Digital’s assets include NBA TV, NBA.com, the NBA App and NBA League Pass. The NBA has created one of the largest social media communities in the world, with 1.6 billion likes and followers globally across all league, team, and player platforms. Through NBA Cares, the league addresses important social issues by working with internationally recognized youth-serving organizations that support education, youth and family development, and health-related causes.
About Louis Vuitton
Since 1854, Louis Vuitton has brought unique designs to the world, combining innovation with style, always aiming for the finest quality. Today, the House remains faithful to the spirit of its founder, Louis Vuitton, who invented a genuine “Art of Travel” through luggage, bags and accessories which were as creative as they were elegant and practical. Since then, audacity has shaped the story of Louis Vuitton. Faithful to its heritage, Louis Vuitton has opened its doors to architects, artists and designers across the years, all the while developing disciplines such as ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, watches, jewelry and fragrance. These carefully created products are testament to Louis Vuitton’s commitment to fine craftsmanship.