April 21st, 2009
Is NBA's Brand Integration Becoming Too Much for Fans?
By Andrew Hampp
Advertising Age
Three of the NBA’s top players spelling G-E-I-C-O in a game of Horse. Charles Barkley developing Wolverine claws, just in time for the movie release of the “X-Men” prequel. Reggie Miller showcasing his new BlackBerry courtside.
It seems an NBA fan—or any sports fan these days—can’t watch a game without a brand being thrust in his or her face. But is all this brand saturation wearing down on viewers who might just want to tune in for a couple hours of relief?