Foot Locker Announces Multi-Year Partnership with the Chicago Bulls Ahead of NBA Season
Global Retailer Strengthens Commitment to Basketball Culture with Community Activations, Fan Experiences, and Exclusive Content
NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --Â Foot Locker, Inc. (NYSE: FL) today announced a multi-year partnership with the Chicago Bulls ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season, further cementing its leadership position in basketball. This partnership will feature community basketball events, exclusive in-store activations, and behind-the-scenes player-focused content, offering fans the chance to engage in unique experiences throughout the season.
This collaboration further deepens Foot Locker's connection to basketball culture, reinforcing its status as the go-to destination for basketball, both on and off the court. As one of Chicago's leading basketball retailers, Foot Locker will engage the passionate Bulls fanbase through various initiatives, including:
- Community Basketball Events: Foot Locker will be the presenting partner for Bulls Fest, a festival and 3v3 tournament that celebrates the sport of basketball, its influence on style, art and culture, and all things Chicago Bulls. Last month, the Bulls hosted a Youth Hoops 3v3 Tournament, presented by Foot Locker, which saw over 100 teams compete across two weekends. Foot Locker will also host community-focused events at its Chicago stores to engage fans.
- In-Store Activations: On November 2nd, Foot Locker's State Street location (26-28 S State St.) will host a Bulls celebration, featuring player meet-and-greets and live entertainment.
- Exclusive Tunnel Walk Content: A co-branded "Tunnel Walk" series will launch on social media, offering fans behind-the-scenes access to their favorite players as they prepare to take the court.
Together, both organizations will celebrate the launch of their partnership on Oct. 30 during the Bulls game vs. Orlando, presented by Foot Locker at the United Center in Chicago. The game night will include a pregame event in the [United Center] Atrium featuring photo opportunities, skills and drills activities, and giveaways, as well as a Youth 3v3 exhibition game at halftime. Foot Locker, Inc.'s President and CEO, Mary Dillon, will present the game ball, and Foot Locker's iconic Stripers will be named as honorary team captains for the evening. Foot Locker will also run a ticket sweepstakes for local FLX Rewards members to enter for a chance to attend the game.
"The rich legacies of Foot Locker and the Chicago Bulls—two institutions that have long been at the forefront of basketball culture—make this partnership a natural fit," said Frank Bracken, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer of Foot Locker, Inc. "Basketball is deeply embedded in Foot Locker's DNA, from local community courts to the global stage of the NBA. We're thrilled to partner with the Bulls, a legendary franchise with one of the most passionate fan bases in the world."
"This partnership showcases the Bulls' and Foot Locker's shared commitments to basketball culture and community and passion for creating legendary experiences," said Matt Kobe, Executive Vice President of Revenue and Strategy for the Chicago Bulls. "We are proud to welcome Foot Locker as the newest partner of the Chicago Bulls and look forward to inspiring and engaging fans in innovative ways together, in the arena, in their stores and in the community."
In addition to its partnership with the Bulls, Foot Locker remains deeply invested in the basketball community. Over the past year, Foot Locker entered a multi-year agreement with the NBA as an official marketing partner in the U.S. and activated at NBA All-Star 2024. It also launched "The Clinic" in collaboration with Nike and Jordan Brand, an immersive program bringing basketball culture to fans, sneaker enthusiasts, and local communities. Most recently, the Company introduced Foot Locker 'Home Court' at its newly reopened 34th Street location in NYC, a premier multi-brand basketball shopping destination developed in partnership with Nike and Jordan Brand.
"Our partnership with the Chicago Bulls amplifies Foot Locker's longstanding commitment to celebrating and nurturing basketball culture, both locally and globally," said Kim Waldmann, Chief Customer Officer of Foot Locker, Inc. "By uniting community engagement, marketing activations, and fan entertainment, this collaboration allows us to deepen our connection to the sport and inspire new audiences as the game continues to expand its influence."
For five decades, Foot Locker has been a leader in sneaker culture, fostering deep connections with basketball fans and players alike. This partnership extends that legacy, while advancing Foot Locker's Lace Up Plan by expanding sneaker culture within the basketball community.
For more information on Foot Locker's initiatives and latest developments, visit www.footlocker-inc.com.
Foot Locker Media Relations   Dana Yacyk, Senior Director, PR & Communications  mediarelations@footlocker.com
Foot Locker Investor Relations   Kate Fitzsimons, Senior Director, Investor Relations  ir@footlocker.com Â
ABOUT FOOT LOCKER, INC.  Foot Locker, Inc. is a leading footwear and apparel retailer that unlocks the "inner sneakerhead" in all of us. With approximately 2,500 retail stores in 26 countries across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, and a licensed store presence in the Middle East and Asia, Foot Locker has a strong history of sneaker authority that sparks discovery and ignites the power of sneaker culture through its portfolio of brands, including Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, WSS, and atmos.  Â
Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements  This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Other than statements of historical facts, all statements which address activities, events, or developments that Foot Locker, Inc. (the "Company") anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, but not limited to, such things as future strategic plans, financial objectives, financial outlook and other such matters, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on many assumptions and factors, which are detailed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
These forward-looking statements are based largely on our expectations and judgments and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are unforeseeable and beyond our control. For additional discussion regarding risks and uncertainties that may affect forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 3, 2024, filed on March 28, 2024. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could produce significantly different results. The Company undertakes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, whether due to new information, future events, or otherwise.
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