The NBA and popular luxury retail company Louis Vuitton are teaming up to bring the league an “LV branded trophy case,” according to Business Insider.
Women’s Wear Daily made the announcement on Wednesday, revealing a multiyear deal for the Larry O’Brien Trophy travel case as well as a “capsule collection designed by Virgil Abloh.
This is a big deal because each year the Larry O’Brien Trophy is awarded to whichever team in the league wins the NBA Finals, which takes place in June.
The capsule collection, according to Business Insider, will consist of “three highlight moments in a basketball player’s career.” Those highlights include the press conference, the match, and the frequent traveling.
According to WWD, NBA deputy commissioner, Mark Tatum spoke out about the partnership revealing it’s different for the league stating, ”We have done other collaborations with other fashion houses before, but nothing at this level and at this scale. We know from social media that our fans follow and are big fans of the Louis Vuitton brand. We know that they’re going to be excited about this new partnership and collaboration.”
Tatum continued by addressing how a collaboration with a high-end fashion brand like Louis Vuitton comes as no surprise as sports players constantly rock said designers on and off the court. ”I think that’s why some of these luxury brands are looking to players, influencers, because they are the ones setting the trends and setting the culture, if you will, and these fashion brands are very much a part of that culture. Our players are often seen in Louis Vuitton merchandise,” he added.
The capsule collection will be released in October and will consist of items such as branded luggage, clothing, and more items from the brand, WWD reports.
Michael Burke, Louis Vuitton CEO and chairman, also spoke on the upcoming collaboration stating, “The NBA participates in that meeting of style, art, fashion, sport, and music.”
“Louis Vuitton has long been associated with the world’s most coveted trophies, and with this iconic partnership, the legacy continues – victory does indeed travel in Louis Vuitton,” Burke continued.
