Emirates Unveils Dazzling NBA-Themed Livery for Inaugural Emirates NBA Cup
Emirates has taken its partnership with the NBA to new heights, revealing a bold, nose-to-tail A380 livery ahead of the highly anticipated 2024-25 NBA season. As the Official Global Airline Partner of the NBA and title sponsor of the inaugural Emirates NBA Cup, the airline is celebrating the tip-off with a one-of-a-kind aircraft design that reflects the synergy between Emirates and the league.
The custom livery, featuring a vibrant blue gradient across the fuselage adorned with the iconic NBA logo, highlights Emirates’ distinctive red branding alongside a bouncing basketball graphic. The design is enhanced by the airline’s signature white calligraphy on the red engine cowls, creating a striking visual spectacle.
This full-body repaint, meticulously completed in-house by Emirates Engineering’s Aircraft Appearance Centre, took 24 days to perfect. Beginning next week, the NBA-themed A380 will be flying across the airline’s global network, bringing the excitement of the NBA season to fans worldwide.
In line with the debut of the Emirates NBA Cup, which kicks off on November 12, Emirates is offering a range of exclusive onboard experiences. Passengers flying to and from 14 U.S. and Canadian destinations during the Cup (from November 1 to December 17) will be treated to NBA-inspired services. These include courtside-themed menus, co-branded headrests, custom-designed drink coasters, and sports-inspired dishes served in all cabin classes. For those aboard the iconic A380, the Onboard Lounge will also feature special NBA-themed beverages.
Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications, Marketing and Brand, shared his enthusiasm: “We are proud to be the Official Global Airline Partner of the NBA and the title sponsor of the inaugural Emirates NBA Cup. This unique livery is a testament to our partnership and a celebration of the game that unites fans globally. We’re excited to offer our customers an array of NBA-inspired experiences onboard, bringing a piece of the action to the skies.”
Fans can watch select Emirates NBA Cup games live on Sport24, Emirates’ inflight entertainment system. The airline is also offering a limited-time NBA-themed menu at its lounges in Dubai, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Boston, enhancing the pre-flight experience for basketball enthusiasts.
The 2024 Emirates NBA Cup will feature group play from November 12 to December 3, with eight teams advancing to the knockout rounds. The quarterfinals will be held on December 10-11, with the semifinals and championship games set to take place at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena on December 14 and 17, respectively.
Basketball fans can also bring home a piece of history with limited edition replica models of the NBA-themed A380, available at the Emirates Official Store. As excitement for the season builds, Emirates is ready to take basketball fandom to new heights.
