The Minnesota Timberwolves, of North American basketball’s NBA, have unveiled local financial services company Sezzle as their new jersey patch sponsor.
The multi-year deal also designates the Minneapolis-based firm as the team’s season presenting partner, which includes prominent in-arena signage, in-game promotions, and community events.
The partnership also includes on-court promotion, concourse activations, and digital content for the Minnesota Lynx of the women’s WNBA.
The deal was brokered by WME Sports, the Endeavor-owned agency that has a wide-ranging tie-up with the Timberwolves.
Sezzle replaces Aura, the identity protection company, which was the Timberwolves’ jersey patch sponsor for the past three seasons. GlobalData estimated this deal to be worth $5 million per year.
The new agreement with Sezzle is believed to be worth closer to $10 million annually.
Fitbit, the Google-owned electronics and fitness company, was the team’s first jersey patch partner, between 2017 and 2021.
The franchise will debut the Sezzle jersey patch in its first pre-season game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 4.
The partnership is Sezzle’s first foray into sports with an NBA team.
The NBA jersey patch partnerships were introduced to the NBA in the 2017-2018 season with revenue currently accounting for over $293 million, according to Forbes.
Last season, the Timberwolves enjoyed a successful campaign, reaching the Western Conference Finals.