The Phoenix Suns (NBA) are leveraging the sponsorship side of their business, as a new deal with PayPal yields a jersey patch partnership, with the tech giant becoming the team’s Official Payment Partner, along with the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury.
As payment partner, PayPal will be a payment option at Talking Stick Resort Arena point-of-sale terminals and at the Suns Team Shop in the arena, while fans will be able to access PayPal through the Official Suns Mobile App. The Suns will also make PayPal Credit available for Suns’ SixthMan members to purchase season tickets. PayPal Here card readers will be integrated at point of sale for chip, swipe, and tap payments, and fans will be able to pay with their Venmo balance throughout the arena.
“In an increasingly digital and mobile world, there’s no better teammate for this extensive partnership than an innovative industry leader like PayPal,” said Suns President and Chief Executive Officer Jason Rowley. “It was important for us to partner with an organization that had a strong local presence in the Valley and demonstrated a shared commitment to positively impacting our community. Through this partnership, we’ll utilize PayPal’s leadership and expertise in technology and innovation to help create a better experience for our fans at home and around the globe.”
The patch partnership is the first for the Suns, as the NBA in the midst of a three-year
pilot program. The Mercury will also sport a PayPal logo for the 2019 WNBA season. The deal also covers Real Club Deportivo Mallorca, which is also owned by Suns Managing Partner Robert Sarver and plays in Spain’s La Liga Segunda División. PayPal will receive traditional marketing and sales assets through Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury and RCD Mallorca channels, including in-arena/stadium, broadcast, digital and via promotions.
“The Phoenix Suns have proven time and again that they share our passion for putting the customer — their fans — first. We are excited to offer new commerce experiences to Suns fans that enable a more convenient and enjoyable in-arena experience,” said PayPal’s President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Schulman. “PayPal has had a significant presence in Arizona and the Phoenix metro area for more than a decade and we are proud to be the Suns’ first jersey patch partner and work with an organization that is so important to a city and state we also call home.”