DUBAI- The Emirates (EK) NBA Cup trophy arrived in New York (JFK) yesterday, marking the start of the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup following its journey from Dubai.
As the Official Global Airline Partner of the NBA and the inaugural title sponsor of the Emirates NBA Cup, Emirates transported the trophy on its signature Airbus A380 featuring a bold NBA-themed livery.
Emirates Brings NBA Cup to New York
The tournament launched on November 12 and will conclude with a Championship game in Las Vegas on December 17. Emirates recently unveiled the A380’s NBA livery, showcasing a vivid blue fuselage and bright red engine cowls to celebrate the partnership.
NBA legend James Worthy escorted the trophy from Dubai. Upon arrival in New York, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Emirates’ Senior Vice President Thierry Aucoc received the trophy, officially opening the tournament.
The special Emirates flight provided an immersive basketball experience. Basketball-themed cabin décor and NBA-branded food boxes were available in all classes, allowing passengers to enjoy a curated menu and watch classic NBA games on Emirates’ in-flight entertainment system. Select live Cup games will also be available on board during the tournament.
Passengers in First and Business Class joined Worthy in the Onboard Lounge, enjoying gameday favorites like sliders, pizzas, and pretzels with cheese, alongside a spread of mini pastries and NBA-themed treats.
Worthy further engaged passengers on flight EK201 with a special announcement, heightening the excitement. Passengers received commemorative items, including NBA-themed luggage tags, photo frames, and replica aircraft models in the new NBA livery, making the journey a memorable celebration of the tournament.
Passengers in Premium Economy and Economy will find co-branded headrests, while those in Business and Premium Economy will be served drinks on NBA-themed coasters. All cabin classes, including the Emirates A380 Onboard Lounge, will offer NBA-inspired food selections and snacks.
Passengers can watch select Emirates NBA Cup games live on Sport24 via the in-flight entertainment system, ice, and access a playlist featuring NBA legends and a podcast interview with NBA Deputy Commissioner and COO Mark Tatum.
Until November 22, NBA-themed food and beverages will also be served at Emirates lounges in Dubai, New York JFK, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Boston.
Limited-edition NBA merchandise, including replica aircraft models with the new livery, is available for purchase at the Emirates Official Store.
The Emirates NBA Cup continues with 12 group play games this Friday, featuring matchups such as the San Antonio Spurs hosting the Los Angeles Lakers at 7:30 p.m. ET and the Memphis Grizzlies facing the Golden State Warriors at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN.