- Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry has announced a partnership with cryptocurrency platform FTX.
- This is the latest of several high profile endorsement and branding deals involving FTX.
- In late August, Curry signed a $215 million USD, four year contract extension.
Golden State Warriors’ superstar guard Stephen Curry isn’t just one of the best players in the NBA–he’s also one of the smartest. And we’re not talking ‘hoop smarts’ even though he’s definitely got plenty of those. He’s an extremely sharp guy off the court as well. In late August, Curry signed a $215 million USD, four year contract extension to remain with the Warriors. Flush with all of that cash he’s found a great place to invest it.
Curry has recently became a cryptocurrency enthusiast and has become a partner with services company FTX. FTX is a fast growing crypto platform run by Sam Bankman-Fried and they’ve been working overtime signing up partners, endorsement and branding deals. Earlier this year, FTX became the naming sponsor of the Miami Heat’s arena–formerly known as American Airlines Arena–in a $135 million USD deal over 19 years. The facility is now known as FTX Arena and is the first major sports facility in the US to have a naming deal with a cryptocurrency/blockchain related brand.
As big of a star as Curry is–and with the possible exception of LeBron James he’s as big as it gets in the NBA–he’s not the most famous athlete to partner with FTX. That would be former New England Patriots and now Tampa Bay Bucs’ quarterback Tom Brady. Brady also brought his wife, supermodel Gisele Bündchen, along for the ride. The couple have taken an equity stake in FTX in what is described as a ‘long term partnership’. Details weren’t disclosed but what was disclosed is that Brady and Bündchen will serve as ‘brand ambassadors’ for FTX. FTX head Bankman-Fried said at the time that the celebrity power couple were already well versed in crypto:
“This isn’t the first time that they’ve been involved in crypto, not the first time they’ve thought about it or even used it, which I think makes it a much more natural and authentic partnership. They’re examples of audiences we’d really like FTX to be the product for.”
Brady–or whomever wrote this quote for him–definitely sounds knowledgeable:
“It’s an incredibly exciting time in the crypto-world and Sam and the revolutionary FTX team continue to open my eyes to the endless possibilities. This particular opportunity showed us the importance of educating people about the power of crypto while simultaneously giving back to our communities and planet.”
Bankman-Fried knows that building his brand is important:
“A lot of what we’ve been looking at is what are the things that we can do that will really stand out and represent us well, fit our brand and really capture people’s attention. We’re going to be doing what we can to try to get news about FTX out there and get more eyeballs on it.”
Partnerships with two of the best to ever play their respective sports is a good start. As for Curry, he admits to being a crypto neophyte but gives props to FTX for bringing him along:
“I’m excited to partner with a company that demystifies the crypto space and eliminates the intimidation factor for first-time users.”
Bankman-Fried is clearly happy to have a NBA superstar of Curry’s class involved with his company:
“After meeting and speaking with Stephen, it was clear that he is a seamless fit for FTX. His tireless commitment to charity alongside a ferocious work ethic to become the greatest in any arena he steps foot in, whether it is basketball, investing or business, perfectly align with FTX’s core values. I look forward to working together with Stephen to create a positive impact for those who need it most in the world.”
Unfortunately, the NBA’s head cases and anti-vaxxer loons have been receiving the bulk of recent press coverage. That said, hopefully the media will now turn their attention to the game itself and now that he’s healthy again no one does that better than Curry.
