NEW YORK – Marriott International and the National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today a partnership that makes the global lodging company the Official Hotel of several marquee NBA events around the world, including NBA Global Games 2015-16, NBA Africa Game 2015, and NBA Canada Series 2015.  Marriott is the first company to partner with the NBA across international games on five different continents.

The partnership tips off in Johannesburg, South Africa during NBA Africa Game 2015, the first NBA game in Africa, and includes NBA events in 11 other cities across Brazil, Canada, China, Italy, Mexico, Spain, and the UK.  Together, Marriott International and the NBA will give Marriott Rewards members exclusive access to NBA games and events in these markets.  The partnership will showcase Marriott’s award-winning Marriott Rewards program by bringing the excitement of the NBA directly to its 50 million strong member community.

Spanning Marriott’s global portfolio of 19 brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Renaissance Hotels, Marriott Hotels, Protea Hotels and AC Hotels, Marriott Rewards will host a series of private meet-and-greets with NBA legends and players for its Elite members and invite fans to take a virtual trip in the #AroundTheWorld photo and social sharing experience.  The first Marriott Rewards NBA legends meet-and-greet will be co-hosted by The Protea African Pride Melrose Arch Hotel in Johannesburg.

Additionally, Marriott Rewards members in the U.S. can look for the opportunity to enter in an upcoming sweepstakes for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to win a trip and tickets to an upcoming NBA global event.

“Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world, and our partnership with the NBA gives us an opportunity to tap into a passionate fan base and communicate the breadth and depth of our portfolio,” said Karin Timpone, Global Marketing Officer, Marriott International. “Similar to what we are doing with music and entertainment, our NBA partnership helps us create memorable experiences for our Rewards members and amplify the benefits of the program for both new and loyal guests.”

“For our fans around the world, there is no opportunity more exciting than when live NBA games are played in their home countries,” said Emilio Collins, NBA Executive Vice President, Global Marketing Partnerships.  “Marriott International is a renowned brand with extensive global operations, and is the ideal partner to help broaden the reach of our games and engage more fans.”

NBA Global Games 2015-16, a series of preseason and regular-season NBA games around the world, includes a total of six NBA teams playing seven games in seven international cities.  Additionally, NBA Africa Game 2015 will take place Aug. 1 at Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg, South Africa, and the NBA Canada Series 2015 will feature a record five teams playing an all-time-high four preseason games in Montreal, Ottawa, Vancouver, and Winnipeg.

NBA GLOBAL EVENT SCHEDULE

NBA Africa Game 2015:

• Aug. 1 – Johannesburg, South Africa

NBA Canada Series 2015:

• Oct. 4 – Vancouver, Canada
• Oct. 10 – Winnipeg, Canada
• Oct. 14 – Ottawa, Canada
• Oct. 23 – Montreal, Canada

NBA Global Games 2015-16:

• Oct. 6 – Milan, Italy
• Oct. 8 – Madrid, Spain
• Oct. 11 – Shenzhen, China
• Oct. 14 – Shanghai, China
• Oct. 17 – Rio, Brazil
• Dec. 3 – Mexico City, Mexico
• Jan. 14 – London, United Kingdom

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a leading global lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: Marriott Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Bulgari, EDITION, Renaissance, Delta Hotels, Gaylord Hotels, Autograph Collection, AC Hotels by Marriott, Moxy Hotels, Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, TownePlace Suites, Protea Hotels, Marriott Executive Apartments and Marriott Vacation Club. Marriott has more than 361,000 people working worldwide at managed or franchised properties and corporate offices. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

About Marriott Rewards
Marriott Rewards is Marriott International’s award-winning loyalty program spanning 16 brands and 4,000 properties worldwide. Marriott Rewards is free to join and has no blackout dates and members can earn and redeem points at Marriott International properties around the world and at Marriott Rewards exclusive luxury partner The Ritz-Carlton®.  Members can also redeem points for frequent flyer miles, cruises, car rentals, merchandise and more. By making rewards accessible with a modern, easy approach, Marriott Rewards continues to be a leader in the industry. Marriott Rewards has won the Freddie Award for “Best Hotel Rewards Program in the Americas” eight years in a row and the 2011 and 2010 Frequent Travel Award for “Best Hotel Rewards Program.” In addition, the program has been named best hotel rewards program by the readers of U.S. News & World Report, About.com, Business Traveler, Global Traveler, Executive Travel and BusinessWeek magazines. To enroll and for more information about Marriott Rewards, guests can visit MarriottRewards.com.

About Protea Hotels
Protea Hotels is the leading hotel group in Africa with the most extensive footprint – over 100 hotels, with more than 10,000 rooms, in seven African countries (South Africa, Zambia, Nigeria, Namibia, Malawi, Uganda and Tanzania).​ Protea was founded in 1984 and has grown its portfolio and brands, and reinvested and upgraded its hotels. The company is comprised of two brands, the mid-up market Protea Hotels (including the lifestyle brand Protea Hotel Fire & Ice!) and the superior deluxe African Pride Hotels, Lodges and Country Houses brand. On 1 April 2014, Protea Hotels sold its hotel marketing, management and franchise business to Marriott International.