• Loading stock data...
Sunday, June 22, 2025

Food Delivery Partnerships Heat Up With NBA, DoorDash Deal

  • NBA launches partnership with DoorDash, includes WNBA and NBA 2K League.
  • Los Angeles Dodgers recently expanded its Postmates partnership to include home delivery.
Carmelo Anthony shoots a three-pointer.
Kevin C. Cox/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

In an effort to further engage with fans and push its support of the Black community, the NBA has signed a multi-year deal with DoorDash. 

The partnership is the league’s first in the on-demand delivery category and it’s also DoorDash’s first deal with a league. DoorDash also becomes a partner with the WNBA and NBA 2K League — becoming the first presenting partner of the NBA 2K League playoffs and final. 

As the NBA playoffs start Monday, the two partners will kick off the “#PlayItForward Challenge” timed at encouraging fans to support Black-owned restaurants. 

“This new partnership is a timely first for us as DoorDash is uniquely positioned to amplify our efforts to engage with fans who are watching games from their homes while also stepping up to support the Black-owned businesses in their communities — a key priority and area of focus across our leagues,” Dan Rossomondo, NBA senior vice president and head of media and business development, said. 

DoorDash will donate $1 to the National Urban League for every order from a Black-owned restaurant through the end of August, while offering free delivery through the end of the year. NBA players are supporting the campaign on social media: Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander; Orlando Magic guard Aaron Gordon; New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday: Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum; Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Dennis Schroder. 

Programs looking to engage fans at home don’t stop within the NBA, or DoorDash. Postmates — which was acquired in a $2.65 billion all-stock deal by Uber in July — expanded its partnership with the Los Angeles Dodgers last month. The two food delivery platforms are using team partnerships in a battle for market share, as Uber Eats and Postmates hold a 37% U.S. market share in the industry, behind DoorDash’s 45%.

The Dodgers partnership with Postmates started last season as Postmates Live for in-seat delivery at Dodger Stadium. Postmates also has a partnership with the New York Yankees.

The partnership, along with Home Team Kitchen, allows fans to order Dodger Stadium fare like Dodger Dogs and micheladas for delivery at home. 

“Los Angeles sports fans will now have year-round access to their favorite stadium flavors, whether it’s for a gourmet game day, celebration or just to satisfy an everyday craving,” said Tucker Kain, president of Dodgers Business Enterprise.

As the NBA looks to provide fans with a guided option for at-home engagement, teams have looked for similar partnerships. The Orlando Magic continued its virtual happy hour series this month, partnering with Michelob Ultra and beverage-delivery company Drizly — offering $5 off — then held an Instagram Q&A with former Magic guard Jameer Nelson. Michelob Ultra was announced a league partner earlier this month.

“As we continue with the restart of Orlando Magic games, we’re excited to continue our efforts to engage fans through innovative digital platforms,” J.T. McWalters, Magic vice president of partnership activation and strategy, said. “With fans and consumers spending more time on their devices than ever, we’re driven to provide compelling content and are excited to work again with Anheuser-Busch to help provide a forum for fans to engage with Magic players and personalities through social media. Continuing to add Drizly to the activation allows fans to receive valuable offers to have product brought right to their homes.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

breaking

Thunder Win NBA Finals Behind Young, Deep, and Cheap Roster

The Thunder’s young and cheap roster won its first title Sunday.

Pacers Lose Haliburton in NBA Finals—and Possibly for a Season

Haliburton entered the game with a right calf strain he played Game 6 with.

WNBA Players Drop Fresh Statement in CBA Fight: ‘We Want a Fair..

The WNBA All-Star Game is less than four weeks away.

Kevin Durant Traded to Houston in Blockbuster Deal

Houston was one of Durant’s preferred destinations.

Featured Today

Mar 15, 2025; Fort Worth, TX, USA; UAB Blazers forward Yaxel Lendeborg (3) dribbles the ball upcourt against the North Texas Mean Green during the first half at Dickies Arena

NIL Is Shrinking the Pool of NBA Draft Entrants

Agents are now advising many players to stay in school.
Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Abdul Carter on the red carpet before the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field
June 21, 2025

‘More Is More’: The Elite Luxury Jewelers Decking Out Athletes

Meet the elite group of luxury designers crafting the biggest statement pieces.
Dec 5, 2024; Miami, FL, USA; FIFA president Gianni Infantino presents the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during the Club Word Cup draw at Telemundo Studios.
June 15, 2025

Revamped Club World Cup Is FIFA’s Billion-Dollar Gamble

The revamped soccer event debuts amid controversy.
Jun 10, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino stands during the anthem against the Switzerland during the first at Geodis Park
June 14, 2025

Gold Cup Is Complicated for USMNT—but U.S. Soccer Has Its Eyes on..

Uncertain tournament success isn’t fazing forward-looking U.S. soccer.

Max Verstappen Linked to $300M Aston Martin Deal Ahead of Miami GP

Aston Martin is currently seventh in the constructors championship.
March 20, 2025

High School Sports Power Signs Eight-Figure Rights Deal in First

The deal pays roughly $1 million annually, FOS has learned.
March 27, 2025

Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions Gets PE Boost

The Hall of Famer’s company gains another prominent backer.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Ted Leonsis unpacks basketball’s global rise, media rights, and portfolio ownership.
March 20, 2025

Maxx Crosby’s Agent: Edge Rushers Set to Dominate NFL’s Non-QB Market

Maxx Crosby just signed a three-year, $106.5 million extension.
March 4, 2025

Eagles Make Saquon Barkley NFL’s Highest-Paid Running Back Ever

Barkley is coming off a historic 2024 season with the Eagles.
February 18, 2025

Tiger Woods Signs First PGA Tour Player to Wear Sun Day Red

Karl Vilips will wear Sun Day Red at his season debut at the Mexico Open.
Teammates embrace during matchup in The Hundred cricket league
February 15, 2025

Google, Microsoft, Adobe CEOs Buy Stakes in Cricket League

The England and Wales Cricket Board raised £520m by selling team stakes.