Sprite rejoins NBA as official soft drink under partnership with The Coca-Cola Company

United States – The National Basketball Association (NBA) has entered a new global marketing partnership with The Coca-Cola Company, bringing Sprite back as the league’s official global soft drink partner. The agreement marks the return of a long-running collaboration between the two brands.

Coca-Cola first partnered with the NBA in 1986, with Sprite playing a key role in connecting basketball with broader cultural elements such as music, fashion, and self-expression. The brand was also previously the title sponsor of the Slam Dunk Contest at NBA All-Star from 2003 to 2016.

Under the agreement, Sprite will activate across key NBA events and international games, including NBA Global Games. Planned initiatives include fan experiences, content series on NBA platforms, and promotional campaigns tied to the partnership.

The collaboration also follows recent co-branded efforts, including limited-edition Sprite cans featuring select NBA teams in participating markets, as part of broader marketing and retail programmes aimed at engaging fans globally.

“Sprite has always been a brand that celebrates individuality and self-expression, values that resonate deeply with basketball fans worldwide,” said Kerry Tatlock, EVP global marketing partnerships and media for the NBA. “We’re thrilled to welcome Sprite back to the NBA family and look forward to collaborating together on new ways for fans to experience the game.”

Manolo Arroyo, EVP and global chief marketing officer at The Coca-Cola Company, added, “Basketball is central to the DNA of Sprite. Reuniting with the NBA is about co-creating what’s next – experimenting with new fan experiences, exploring emerging formats and meeting the next generation where they are. Basketball is not just a game; it’s a global cultural engine, and Sprite, together with the NBA, will help to fuel the moments and memories that drive it.”

As part of its athlete partnerships, Sprite will continue working with Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, who was named MVP of the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.

“I love that Sprite has always been a brand that pushes you to do things your way,” Edwards said. “Being a part of this legendary partnership between Sprite and the NBA is incredible. I’m excited to represent the brand and show the next generation the power of staying true to yourself.”