Formula 1 and The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced a first-of-its-kind content and activation partnership to bring together the broad, global fanbases of the NBA and F1 in celebration of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary season and the return of F1 to the U.S. at the 2021 FORMULA 1 ARAMCO UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX on Sunday, Oct. 24.
In celebration of the content partnership, and the lead-up to US Grand Prix and the NBA’s 75th Anniversary season, exclusive imagery featuring F1 cars in custom liveries representing all 30 NBA teams will be released on NBA and F1 social media platforms around the world. The first 10 cars, showcasing the Central and Pacific Divisions, will be unveiled today.
F1 Drivers battle on NBA Court
On Thursday, Oct. 21, F1 Teams will battle it out off-the-track, in a free throw challenge at the NBA 75th Anniversary-themed basketball half-court, within the Circuit of the Americas paddock. NBA legends will be onsite at the ESPN Studio to coach drivers as they compete against each other to secure the most free throws possible out of 10 shots, with $20,000 up for grabs for the winning team to donate to a charity of its choice.
The 2021 FORMULA 1 ARAMCO UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX, which will take place from Oct. 22-24, 2021, has been held at the Circuit of the Americas track since 2012, with F1 returning to the iconic track following a two-year break due to COVID.
The NBA has established a major international presence with games and programming available in 215 countries and territories in more than 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 2021-22 season featured a record 121 international players from 40 countries.
The NBA’s 75th Anniversary season tipped off on Tuesday, October 19 and continues tonight with a doubleheader on ESPN as the New York Knicks host the Boston Celtics (7:30 p.m. ET) and the Denver Nuggets visit the Phoenix Suns (10 p.m. ET).