Legends Led Sherman Indian High School Youth in Basketball Activities and Life Skills Curriculum
CHICAGO, ILL. September 21, 2023 – The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) and its Los Angeles Chapter teamed up to bring basketball, fun and life skills lessons to youth at Sherman Indian High School, a boarding school for Native Americans, on Saturday, September 9th (9010 Magnolia Ave. Riverside, CA 95203) for the 3rd consecutive year. Led by Los Angeles Chapter President & ABA Legend Rick Darnell, NBA & Lakers Legend AC Green, NBA Legends Duane Cooper, Darwin Cook, Louis Nelson, and Juaquin Hawkins, WNBA Legend Linda Fröhlich, local youth participated in a wide array of basketball instruction including proper passing and shooting techniques, defensive drills and the value of effort.
Additionally, the students were treated to donated school/dorm supplies and apparel, as well as free lunch from local food trucks, onsite for the event, donated by the LA Chapter Members. NBA All-Star AC Green, proud to represent both Choctaw and Cherokee heritage, emphasized the value of the opportunity that Sherman Indian High School provides. The All-Native high school serves more than 200 students from 76 Native American tribes who apply to attend from across the country.
Full Court Press is designed to support the development of participating youth both on and off the court through basketball instruction, mentorship and an innovative life skills curriculum. Several Legends of Basketball, both men and women with NBA, WNBA, ABA and/or Harlem Globetrotters backgrounds, serve as basketball coaches and mentors for the 150-200 youth at each clinic while NBRPA community partners offer additional life skills programming.
Since 2013, the NBRPA has held over 100 Full Court Press: Prep for Success clinics impacting more than 7,500 underserved youth both locally and globally. With your support, Full Court Press and the NBRPA can increase their impact by donating here.
View images of the Full Court Press Program in Los Angeles:
(PHOTO CREDIT – NBRPA)
About the National Basketball Retired Players Association The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, and WNBA. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Legends Care is the charitable initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts youth and communities through basketball. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Charles “Choo” Smith, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Nancy Lieberman, CJ Kupec, Mike Bantom, Caron Butler, Jerome Williams, Shawn Marion, and Clarence “Chucky” Brown. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.
About Sherman Indian High School Sherman Indian High School (SIHS) is an off-reservation boarding high school for Native Americans. Originally opened in 1892 and operated by the Bureau of Indian Education/Bureau of Indian Affairs and the U.S. Government Department of the Interior, the school serves grades 9 through 12. SIHS students represent over 76 federally recognized tribes from across the U.S. About 68% of students come from reservations throughout the U.S. (the remaining students come from urban or suburban settings). Learn more about Sherman Indian High School at shermanindian.org/.
On Monday, September 18, the NBRPA debuted a new content series across @NBAalumni social media channels, remixing some of the best moves in NBA history as part of count down to the start of the upcoming 2023-2024 NBA season.
Legends Mixtapes, also known as "Mixtape Mondays," reimagine old-school NBA highlights set to music from the modern era, starting with a contemporary showcase of 6x NBA Champion Bob Cousy accompanied by M.O.P.'s "Ante Up." The Houdini of the Hardwood himself loved seeing the new interpretation of his ball-handling talent and said: "What a treat!"
In just the first 24 hours after its release, the inaugural mixtape produced over half a million views, plus thousands of engagements, and counting.
Watch the first of the Legends Mixtape series below and follow @NBAalumi on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Threads to be the first to see the latest Legends Mixtape every Monday.
#LegendsMixtapes
There are few events that can compare with The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend, and this year’s celebration showed exactly why. For two days – spread out between the Mohegan Sun Resort in Uncasville, Connecticut and the birthplace of basketball in Springfield, Massachusetts – basketball’s immortals walked among us. They laughed, cried, shared stories from their playing and coaching days, signed autographs and showed the world why they are Hall of Famers.
Beginning on Friday night at the luxurious Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino, Legends from the NBA, WNBA, ABA and every other professional basketball entity you can imagine arrived en masse in time to attend the Hall of Fame’s first public event - an exclusive autograph session with the Class of 2023. Where else in the world can one room hold Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade, Pau Gasol, Becky Hammon, Tony Parker, Gregg Popovich, and the members of the 1976 Team USA Women’s Basketball team just to name a few? Fans from around the globe gathered and waited their turn to celebrate their heroes and take home a little piece of memorabilia that would give them a lifetime of memories. Following the autograph sessions, participants readied themselves for the official introductory press conference where global media waited to interview and speak with each of the members of the 2023 HOF Class.
That same evening, the Tip-Off Celebration and Awards Gala was held in the Mohegan Sun Convention Center and the honored guests were awarded the Class of 2023 rings, presented by Baron Championship Rings, the Class of 2023 Hall of Fame jackets, and highlighted by the presentation of the Hall’s annual John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, the Mannie Jackson: Basketball’s Human Spirit Awards, and the Curt Gowdy Media Awards. If that wasn’t enough for the first day, the celebration continued long into the night with the annual National Basketball Retired Players Association’s “Players Party” at the ultra-chic Vista Lounge located in the center of the Mohegan Sun Casino. At the “Players Party,” Hall of Famers Nancy Lieberman, Spencer Haywood, Artis Gilmore rubbed elbows with Legends like Avery Johnson, business partners from Panini – who served as the event’s host and ESPN’s brightest talent in Malika Andrews, Andraya Carter who were there to celebrate their esteemed colleague, Marc Spears, being named recipient of the HOF’s Curt Gowdy Media Award.
Saturday morning, members, fans, business partners, dignitaries and the honorees took the short ride through Connecticut’s and Western Massachusetts’ idyllic countryside and green hills en route to the city of Springfield to prepare for a magnificent reception at the Marriott Springfield Downtown and the weekend’s main event – The 2023 Enshrinement Ceremony at the famed Symphony Hall. The red carpet stretched for blocks, as only a space of this size could accommodate the legendary talent that was set to walk on it prior to the night’s celebration. Pau Gasol, flanked by his family and close friends greeted everyone he could and took in the entire spectacle and explained how the international presence at this event echoed what a global game basketball has become. Dirk Nowitzki and Dwyane Wade smiled as broadly as when they won NBA Championships. Becky Hammon beamed with pride as she led her children down the path that led to the stairs at Symphony Hall and Tony Parker seemed to be carrying an entire French nation on his shoulders.
But this evening wasn’t just about the newest members about to be enshrined, it belonged to ALL Hall of Fame members. One-by-one members from classes dating back decades strutted the red carpet – blowing kisses, shaking hands, and stopping to speak with the enormous media contingent on hand to document this night. Alex English, Spencer Haywood and Chris Bosh proudly showed off their HOF orange jackets. The inimitable Calvin Murphy, as nattily dressed as ever, explained the joy he feels to have a gathering of this kind with every generation of basketball talent– past and present, and Allen Iverson discussed the immense honor for him to be able to induct his friend and protégé Dwyane Wade.
As the ceremony tipped off, one-by-one the honored gave their speeches, told their stories, and thanked the people that supported them along this journey. There was, however, one sense of commonality in all of the speeches - a sense of appreciation. Appreciation at being able to play this game. Appreciation at the hard work and humility it took to get to this level. Appreciation of the recognition about to be bestowed upon them and most of all an appreciation and respect for the game itself.
The night’s last honoree, Dwyane Wade, may have summed it up best when he called his father up to join him on stage. “We in the Hall of Fame, dawg”, he said. Yes, Dwyane, we are, and we can’t wait to do it all over again with next year’s class.
Baltimore native and HBCU product is now chairman of the National Basketball Retired Players Association
It’s an early morning breakfast in a ballroom at the The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, and the group gathered — including Dave Bing, Shawn Marion, Detlef Schrempf, Renee Montgomery and Ticha Penicheiro — would be impressive to any basketball aficionado.
Early in the program, the leader of the National Basketball Retired Players Association steps up to the podium to address the group, and he’s neither a former big-time basketball star nor a former NBA player.
The name he goes by: Choo.
Wait … Choo who?
Meet Charles “Choo” Smith, a former guard with the Harlem Globetrotters and chairman of the NBRPA. Smith, an active member of the NBRPA and a member of the group’s Governor’s Committee since 2016, is the first Globetrotter to serve as chairman for the organization of retired players. He assumed the role from Johnny Davis, a former NBA veteran and coach.
Smith was named chairman of the NBRPA at the Legends brunch during February’s NBA All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City.
“When someone mentioned I’d be the next chair after Johnny resigned, I laughed,” Smith said. “I wasn’t in the NBA, so I just thought no one would ever approve of it.”
But there was one quality about Smith that made him the right person for the position.
“His passion,” said Scott Rochelle, president and CEO of the NBRPA. “Choo sees every perspective and understands everyone’s empathy. And when that passion comes out there are times where you have to take a step back and say, ‘is he upset, or is he really into this?’
“Most times he’s really into it. He just wants you to feel it.”
While he’s made a career connected with basketball, Smith is a fervent fan of his hometown Baltimore Orioles and his favorite player, Eddie Murray. One of his first acts of passion was connected to baseball. Smith’s love of the sport was so intense that he decided at an early age to carve out a baseball diamond in the Forest Park section of Baltimore where he lived.
“I measured the field, I put up the bases and I built it as a place where people could get together,” Smith said. “I wanted the kids in the neighborhood to have a place where they could play baseball and have fun.”
Baseball was the sport Smith thought he’d make a career of entering Baltimore City College high school. But the shift to basketball, which was just his hobby during his first two years of high school, came about when his skills were questioned during a summer league game.
“I was playing in a game with Devin Boyd [Towson University’s career scoring leader] and Andre Boyd [Robert Morris University Hall of Famer] and one of the guys in the game said, ‘Choo, you a scrub,’ ” Smith recalled. “Those guys playing were legends and basketball was my sport, but I ain’t nobody’s scrub. That’s when I started to take it seriously.”
Smith said he excelled in winning a church league championship later that year while competing against a collection of local legends. While his baseball coach encouraged him to skip basketball as a junior, Smith played on the City College team as a senior with his play attracting the attention of a few Division II and Division III programs.
After playing at Bowie State as a freshman, Smith transferred to the University of the District of Columbia. Smith made an impact in those three seasons in Washington, finishing his career as the school’s all-time leader in steals and assists.
As Smith was attempting to keep his basketball career going by playing in a few semipro leagues, he landed on the radar of a talent scout whose job was to find potential players for the Globetrotters and their opponent that travels with them, the Washington Generals.
“He told me that if I could come in and ball as a General that I one day could be a Globetrotter,” Smith said. “I blew them away because I was creating excitement in the games, and that’s how I became a Trotter.”
A requirement to join the team was learning the history of the iconic franchise. He discovered that Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton left the Globetrotters to become one of the NBA’s first Black players, and that Connie Hawkins and Wilt Chamberlain played with the team before launching their NBA careers.
“A lot of history that I just didn’t know,” Smith said. “It was important for me to understand in becoming an ambassador.”
The importance of that role, to Smith, was realized after an encounter with a young boy. Smith can’t remember the city, but he does recall it was a game in 2001 and the boy was hanging out with the team before and during the game and seemed magnetically attached to him.
As members of the team were taking photos with fans during halftime, Smith was shocked when the boy sat in his lap and wrapped his arms around him.
“His mother told me that he had stage four cancer, and he didn’t have much time,” Smith said, becoming emotional. “Here I thought at first this boy was being too clingy, and what he was going through put it all in perspective.
“You never know what people are going through. That’s the moment I fully understood my purpose in life.”
Charles “Choo” Smith speaks at his Youth Empowerment Basketball Clinic in Baltimore.
It’s a gorgeous Monday night in Baltimore, and driving through Catonsville it’s clear many of the local kids are kicking it with friends and enjoying the comfortable weather outside.
But inside Goals Baltimore, a sports complex just off the Baltimore Beltway, about 20 teens are focused on the sound of Smith’s voice.
“Stop, stop,” Smith barks, while putting the kids through a modified suicide drill. “Make sure you touch all the lines, make sure you do this right.”
Watching Smith, it’s clear that this is his purpose: helping develop the skill set — both mentally and physically — of the kids in his hometown.
It’s been in him his entire life, from the time he built that baseball field for his friends to play.
“I’ve had opportunities with coaching, chances to go into partnerships with businessmen who like the way I relate to people,” Smith said. “I’ve traveled to countries around the world and to all 50 states, but everything I’ve done in life has led me back to Baltimore.”
Smith’s accomplishments as a trainer and in running his Team Choo AAU program are evident by a quick glance at his social media platforms, where he often boasts about the destinations of his athletes. His kids have received college offers from schools ranging from Penn State University to Mount St. Mary’s to Vassar College, with many of the parents expressing their appreciation of his efforts.
A rising star currently under Smith’s tutelage: Autumn Fleary. She’s the only girl training under Smith at Goals on this Monday, but of the 20 kids she’s the most accomplished.
In April, Fleary was named the Baltimore Sun All-Metro girls basketball Player of the Year following her freshman season, and enters her sophomore year of high school with scholarship offers from major schools including Syracuse, Texas Christian and Virginia.
She’s trained with Smith since the third grade.
“There’s a lot I learn from him, especially ballhandling techniques,” Fleary said. “But the most important thing he’s told me is to remain humble and take nothing for granted. Coming from Baltimore the opportunities are rare, so he always tells me to bring it and work hard every time I step on the court.”
Besides training players and his AAU program, Smith always runs a camp each summer at Coppin State University. That camp is still in the recovery phase after being shut down for a year by the coronavirus pandemic, but on a recent Friday more than 40 kids were on Coppin’s main floor for a slate of games.
“Coppin knew what we were doing with our camp, and when they opened the new gym they asked us to bring it here,” Smith said. “The kids love coming here because it’s a great environment.”
Smith has bigger visions for youth development in his hometown. He’s worked out an agreement with the city of Baltimore to acquire a nearly 20-acre site where he boldly envisions athletic and educational centers as well as retail and housing in a place dubbed Arise. Details of the deal are still being worked out.
“I have an opportunity to provide something special, and I want to capitalize on that opportunity,” Smith said. “With the city embracing me on this project, we can really create some change.”
Joining the Globetrotters gave Smith an opportunity to meet some basketball legends and one of those greats, Curly Neal, pulled him aside after he joined the team and offered some advice.
“ ‘It’s your time,’ ” Smith recalled Neal telling him. “ ‘You love the work. Take this brand and continue to build it.’ ”
That advice could easily apply to his current role with the NRBPA, where Smith as chairman is helping continue to grow a long established brand.
“I got involved with the [NRBPA] years ago, and I remember someone saying that we need to get younger and we need to have programs that’s going to really help in the second phase of their life after basketball,” Smith said. “That was really intriguing to me.”
That led him to his current place within the organization as chairman, addressing a group of athletes at the recent breakfast in Las Vegas.
Some of them were legends who thought enough of Smith to be confident in his ability to lead.
“We’ve got a lot of work done, and there’s a lot of work to do,” Smith said. “I think I’ve proven to them I can handle it.”
Jerry Bembry is a senior writer at Andscape. His bucket list items include being serenaded by Lizz Wright and watching the Knicks play a MEANINGFUL NBA game in June.
$10,000 Scholarships Available to Eligible Undergraduates Attending HBCUs
Chicago, ILL. February 14, 2023 - The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) today announced the opening of the 2023-2024 Legends HBCU Scholarship – a scholarship fund and scholars program for undergraduate students attending HBCUs across the country. The Legends HBCU Scholarship is the latest program from the NBRPA’s Legends Care initiative and will become an integral component of the NBRPA’s mission and scope of influence for years to come. Legends Scholars will receive a $10,000 scholarship in recognition of their academic excellence and desire to make a positive and purposeful impact in the world.
“We are thrilled to present our third annual Legends HBCU Scholarship program and continue our tradition of providing support for HBCU institutions and amplifying the crucial role they play in our communities,” said Scott Rochelle, NBRPA President & CEO. “We are proud and honored to help make sure these extraordinary college students have access to the necessary, substantial and multifaceted resources offered through our Legends Scholars program that will serve them throughout their collegiate careers and beyond.”
In addition to addressing the financial needs of Legends Scholars, a comprehensive scholars program will assist Legends Scholars in the areas of career preparation and development, job placement and mentoring both during and after their undergraduate years. Specifically, through the Legends Scholars program, Legends Scholars will receive:
Membership to the NBRPA's Legends Scholars job board
Access to internship/employment opportunities within the sports industry and/or with companies that are owned and operated by NBRPA Legends.
During their scholarship year, Legends Scholars will receive complimentary access, travel and lodging to the NBA All-Star Weekend.
During their senior year, Legends Scholars will take part in a complimentary career development session.
Upon graduating from an HBCU, Legends Scholars will enter the Legends Scholars Mentoring Program.
The 2023 Legends HBCU Scholarship application opened on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at legendsofbasketball.com/HBCU. Current undergraduates attending HBCUs will have the opportunity to apply until 11:59pm CST on Wednesday, March 22, 2023.
About the National Basketball Retired Players Association: The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Legends Care is the charitable initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts youth and communities through basketball. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Vice Chairman Dave Cowens, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Thurl Bailey, Caron Butler, Jerome Williams, Shawn Marion, David Naves and Sheryl Swoopes. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.
-Cîroc and DeLeón to Serve as Exclusive Liquor Partners for NBRPA’s Players Party-
CHICAGO, Illinois (February 6, 2023) — The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) today announced a partnership with leading Black-owned multimedia platform REVOLT, that will feature REVOLT as the presenting partner of the NBRPA’s annual “Players Party,” on NBA All-Star Saturday Night, during NBA All-Star Weekend in Salt Lake City, Utah. The NBRPA and REVOLT will hold their exclusive - by invite only party on Saturday, February 18 at Flanker Kitchen & Sporting Club.
As part of this collaboration, Cîroc and DeLeón Tequila will serve as the exclusive liquor partners for the “Players Party,” featuring appearances from various NBA/WNBA/ABA Legends and celebrities taking part in All-Star festivities.
“We are excited to welcome Diddy and Revolt as the presenting partner for our ‘Players Party,’ series,” said Scott Rochelle, President & CEO, NBRPA. “Salt Lake City will be the epicenter of the basketball universe during NBA All-Star Weekend, and to have a first-class brand like Revolt alongside some of the most legendary names in basketball history is perfect match for the NBRPA and its membership. We look forward to enjoying the atmosphere, entertainment, and the gathering of iconic names from across the sports and entertainment worlds that this event promises to deliver.”
“Basketball is a global phenomenon, and we are thrilled to be a part of this experience that celebrates legends who so many of us have loved and cheered on for years,” said Alaina Long, VP of Global Marketing at CE Spirits. “We look forward to gathering in Utah and believe Cîroc and DeLeón Tequila will be a great addition to this year’s Player’s Party.”
“As the number one brand for the culture, REVOLT recognizes the impact Black culture has had on basketball,” said Detavio Samuels, CEO of REVOLT. “We are proud to partner with the NBRPA to celebrate with players who have had a massive impact across the globe, both on the courts and in the culture.”
###
ABOUT THE NATIONAL BASKETBALL RETIRED PLAYERS ASSOCIATION: The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, and WNBA. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Legends Care is the charitable initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts youth and communities through basketball. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Nancy Lieberman, CJ Kupec, Mike Bantom, Caron Butler, Jerome Williams, Shawn Marion, Charles “Choo” Smith and Robert Horry. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.
ABOUT REVOLT TV: REVOLT is the leading Black-owned and operated multimedia platform servicing content 24/7 across digital, linear, and live media channels. The platform produces rich content and original material with the biggest names in Hip Hop, along with reports of breaking news, current events, trends and announcements within the Black cultural movement and Hip-Hop world. REVOLT takes pride in its diversity, both in its mindset and its company makeup, further instilling its dedication to culture within its staff and audiences. Founded by Sean "Diddy" Combs in 2013, REVOLT attracts over 50 million millennials and Gen Z audiences through their disruptive, authentic material across all platforms. In 2021, REVOLT will launch a brand new digital mobile app where users can view extended releases, live updates from relevant news, exclusive specials and much more.
ABOUT COMBS SPIRITS:
Combs Spirits (CS) is a privately owned, premium spirits company created by Sean "Diddy" Combs in 2013. The company co-owns DeLeón Tequila and is responsible for all strategic marketing for CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka, both in partnership with Diageo. CS is focused on delivering high impact growth driven product development strategies that promote a healthy business structure while highlighting social responsibility - and has become known for its bold business moves, energetic marketing and history-making success.
(LOS ANGELES, CA, December 13, 2022) — ClutchPoints and the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) today announced a first-of-its-kind media partnership to preserve the stories of basketball’s most notable pioneers across the NBA, ABA, and WNBA.
ClutchPoints will expand the NBRPA’s “Legends Media & Entertainment” storytelling efforts by creating new intellectual property for its editorial and social media platforms. Utilizing a mix of fresh and licensed content from the NBRPA, ClutchPoints will produce new franchises including interviews, documentaries, game shows and more. The weekly content will be housed under a designated hub on the ClutchPoints website and monetized to strengthen the association’s reach to new audiences.
“We wanted to innovate how retired players are covered by giving them the same platforms as today’s stars,” said Nish Patel, founder and CEO of ClutchPoints. “These legends have changed the culture of basketball, and we look forward to refreshing those stories for longtime fans and introducing them to newer ones.”
“With the growth of Legends Media & Entertainment over the last several years, this partnership with ClutchPoints is a perfect opportunity to expand our content and have it exist on a larger platform,” said Scott Rochelle, CEO and President of NBRPA. “Our exclusive content, as always, will continue to bring to life these amazing stories from our Legends and now to an even larger audience. We look forward to collaborating with ClutchPoints to continue bringing compelling, impactful, and timely content as well as co-creating unique opportunities from our events.”
The partnership is ClutchPoints’ latest initiative to support its commitment to amplifying diverse voices in sports. For more information and to receive the latest updates on the NBRPA’s members, visit ClutchPoints.com.
###
ABOUT CLUTCHPOINTS:
ClutchPoints was founded to create a culture of community and accessibility in sports media and has revolutionized how sports is covered and consumed with its “by fans, for fans” approach. Its origin as a Facebook social media outlet for basketball fandom has since expanded to feature expert reporting, graphic design and original IP across a variety of sports leagues via ClutchPoints.com, all social media channels (@ClutchPoints) and the ClutchPoints app. Since its inception, ClutchPoints has aimed to close the gap between traditional news and social commentary while maintaining journalistic integrity.
ClutchPoints is a Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council recognized Minority Business Enterprise.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL BASKETBALL RETIRED PLAYERS ASSOCIATION: The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, and WNBA. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Legends Care is the charitable initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts youth and communities through basketball. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Nancy Lieberman, CJ Kupec, Mike Bantom, Caron Butler, Jerome Williams, Shawn Marion, Charles “Choo” Smith and Robert Horry. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.
-College Basketball Quadruple-Header to Be Featured as Part of CBS Sports Network College Basketball Coverage-
CHICAGO, ILL. (December 5, 2022) – The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) announced today, Victorinox as the title sponsor of the Legends of Basketball Showcase presented by Victorinox, a college basketball quadruple header set for Dec. 17 at the United Center in Chicago. The four-game set will feature Northern Iowa facing Towson and Tulane taking on George Mason in the afternoon session, while Dayton will match up against Wyoming and NC State battles Vanderbilt in the evening session. Both evening session games will air on CBS Sports Network beginning at 8 pm ET/7 pm CT.
Victorinox’s entitlement of the Legends of Basketball Showcase presented by Victorinox is part of the brand’s agreement with Intersport, a Chicago-based sports marketing, and media agency, that will span the promoter’s various owned and operated college basketball events during the remainder of 2022, including The Victorinox Tampa Tip-Off that will be held December 14 at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla.
“We are delighted to have a brand of Victorinox’s magnitude as the title sponsor of our inaugural Legends of Basketball Showcase presented by Victorinox,” said Scott Rochelle, President & CEO, NBRPA. “The combination of a world-renowned brand, top notch collegiate basketball programs, a premium broadcaster in CBS Sports Network and our legendary alumni membership, promises to deliver a historic event that will be an integral part of the college basketball calendar for years to come.”
“To welcome a legendary brand such as Victorinox into Intersport’s portfolio of college basketball events is significant,” said Mark Starsiak, vice president at Intersport. “Premium brands continue to view our events as important opportunities to engage with consumers.”
In recent weeks, Victorinox has activated at each of Intersport’s early-season college basketball events, including the Aurora Health Care Brew City Battle in Milwaukee, Wis., the CITI Shamrock Classic, the Rocket Mortgage Fort Myers Tip-Off and Elevance Health Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off.
About the National Basketball Retired Players Association The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, and WNBA. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Legends Care is the charitable initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts youth and communities through basketball. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Nancy Lieberman, CJ Kupec, Mike Bantom, Caron Butler, Jerome Williams, Shawn Marion, Charles “Choo” Smith and Robert Horry. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.
Since 1985, Intersport has been an award-winning innovator and leader in the creation of sports, lifestyle, culinary and entertainment-based marketing platforms. With expertise in Sponsorship Consulting, Experiential Marketing, Hospitality, Retail Engagement, Content Marketing, Productions and Property Creation, this Chicago-based Marketing & Media Solutions Company helps its clients engage consumers with compelling ideas, content and experiences.
-College Basketball Preseason Showdown presented by NBRPA and benefiting the McLendon Foundation will continue the experience in 2023-
CHICAGO, IL (Nov. 22, 2022) – Following a successful inaugural Legends of Basketball Classic that featured Gonzaga and Tennessee, both of which ranked as preseason top-15 programs, Intersport, the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA), the McLendon Foundation and iNDEMAND jointly announced plans to extend the partnership through 2023. Intersport will continue to lead the event operation and has begun the team recruitment and venue selection process for next season as well as reviewing opportunities for expansion of the concept.
The inaugural charity exhibition took place on Friday, Oct. 28, at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas and Tennessee scored a 99-80 victory. iNDEMAND – the largest distributor of PPV and on demand programming in North America – served as the exclusive streaming and TV distributor of the event via its streaming service PPV.COM and cable TV. The game was the first-ever national telecast of major college basketball on the pay-per-view platform and introduced a new model for raising charitable funds and signaling the fast-approaching start of the college basketball season.
“As we collectively evaluated this inaugural event, it became clear fairly quickly that we were all interested in pursuing a second edition of the event,” said Mark Starsiak, vice president at Intersport. “From the intense on-court experience that is sometimes atypical of preseason games to the well-received nature of the broadcast on PPV.COM and cable and satellite, the important visibility for our partners at the NBRPA and the charitable contribution to the McLendon Foundation, everyone involved benefitted from this experience. We’re eager to build off the success of this inaugural event and are aiming even higher in 2023.”
“The event blew away all our expectations; we knew it would do well, but the performance even surprised us,” Mark Boccardi, SVP Programming & Marketing for iNDEMAND & PPV.COM, said. “I think we have found the formula for a successful ongoing PPV event and we can’t wait for the next one. We are thrilled with the role we played in raising money for the McLendon Foundation."
“We are incredibly proud of the success of the inaugural Legends of Basketball Classic,” said Scott Rochelle, President & CEO, NBRPA. “This first-of-its-kind, Pay-Per-View event, allowed us to use the backdrop of a blockbuster college hoops matchup to raise funds for the McLendon Foundation, create a blueprint for philanthropy and sports business moving forward, and integrate the impact that NBRPA Legends provide. We are encouraged by the prospect of developing more of and growing these types of events in the coming years.”
"The McLendon Foundation was thrilled to be the beneficiary of the inaugural Legends of Basketball Classic," NACDA Vice President and McLendon Foundation Director Adrien Harraway said. "The Foundation's mission to provide access and opportunity to minorities pursuing careers in the sports space and this was a perfect opportunity to introduce the McLendon Foundation to a new audience. The atmosphere and enthusiasm in-venue was incredible."
About Intersport
Since 1985, Intersport has been an award-winning innovator and leader in the creation of sports, lifestyle, culinary and entertainment-based marketing platforms. With expertise in Sponsorship Consulting, Experiential Marketing, Hospitality, Retail Engagement, Content Marketing, Productions and Property Creation, this Chicago-based Marketing & Media Solutions Company helps its clients engage consumers with compelling ideas, content and experiences. To learn more about Intersport, visit www.intersport.global, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
About iNDEMAND and PPV.COM
iNDEMAND is an innovative partnership between three of the leading cable companies in the U.S.—Charter Communications, Comcast Cable, and Cox Communications. iNDEMAND is a company of trusted content aggregators and licensing experts, with unparalleled technical expertise and long-standing relationships with MVPDs, major sports leagues, Hollywood studios, and other entertainment and sports companies across North America. iNDEMAND delivers great content to more than 80 million cable homes and has distribution deals with more than 150 companies. In December 2021, iNDEMAND launched PPV.COM, an innovative streaming PPV service and the first of its kind to offer interactive fan engagement during live-action sports. With the addition of PPV.COM to its existing cable PPV infrastructure, iNDEMAND has consolidated all forms of PPV distribution under one roof, making the company the only provider of turn-key PPV solutions for both industry partners and consumers. For more information, go to indemand.com and PPV.COM
About the National Basketball Retired Players Association The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, and WNBA. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Legends Care is the charitable initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts youth and communities through basketball. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Vice Chairman Dave Cowens, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Thurl Bailey, Caron Butler, Jerome Williams, Shawn Marion, Charles “Choo” Smith, Sheryl Swoopes and Robert Horry. Learn more at www.legendsofbasketball.com.
About the McLendon Foundation
The McLendon Foundation, established in 1999, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded and administered by NACDA. Through the scholarship program and leadership initiative, the McLendon Foundation provides minorities educational resources, practical experiences and serves as a vehicle for networking, career advancement and advocacy on behalf of the profession. More information regarding the McLendon Foundation can be found at www.minorityleaders.org.
-Legends to Compete Alongside Amateur Golfers in 10 Markets Across U.S. and in the Dominican Republic to Raise Money for Local Organizations-
CHICAGO, Illinois (October 6, 2022) – The National Basketball Retired Players Association and Deuce, today announced a collaboration to bring an unique golf experience to NBRPA members and amateur golfers – as part of the Deuce AM Tour, that will feature events at ten top golf courses across the U.S. and culminate at the world renowned Casa de Campo Resort & Villas located in La Romana, Dominican Republic.
The Deuce Am Tour aims to provide an atmosphere for Legends to enjoy a premium event at exclusive clubs and play alongside some of the top amateurs in the world. In addition, both, the NBRPA and Deuce organizations will collaborate to raise money in every market, in which an event is held, for a local organization that is dedicated to increasing diversity in the sport of golf. Legends and amateur participants will also be treated to top-notch entertainment, including – Pairing parties, events for cigar, fashion and whiskey aficionados, live music, industry networking and much more.
“We are excited to join forces with Deuce to be able to bring these types of events to where so many of our members enjoy being – on the golf course,” said Scott Rochelle, NBRPA President & CEO. “This partnership, with a fast growing, Black-owned company, allows us to present our members with an incredible opportunity to further their involvement in amateur golf tours and the golf industry as a whole.”
This alliance will enhance the competitive atmosphere at our national Amateur Tour events for our golfers and also for the former basketball players that will transition that naturally competitive spirit from the court to the fairways." Says Tarek DeLavallade, President of Deuce & the Deuce Am Tour. "Our goal is to create a memorable experience for everyone involved from the players, sponsors, and others who will be there to enjoy the all of our national events."
The Deuce AM golfing tour schedule will feature events from October through August 2023 in the following cities:
October 17 – Potomac Shores Golf Club, Washington D.C.
November 20 – Cowboys Golf Club, Dallas, TX
December 12 – Turnberry Golf Club, Miami, FL
January 22 – Keene’s Pointe Golf Club - Orlando, FL
February – Las Vegas, NV
March – Phoenix, AZ
April – Atlanta, GA
May – NY/NJ metro area
June – Chicago, IL
August – Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic
*Exact dates of later events will be announced at a later date.
Deuce AM Tournaments are competitive and flighted and will allow NBRPA Legends to choose to compete in the Top 4 Flights, where they will be required to carry a USGA GHIN handicap number that can be verified. If Legends do not have a GHIN number, they will have the opportunity to play in the Hackerish Flight.
About the National Basketball Retired Players Association: The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, and WNBA. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Legends Care is the charitable initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts youth and communities through basketball. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Vice Chairman Dave Cowens, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Thurl Bailey, Caron Butler, Jerome Williams, Shawn Marion, Charles “Choo” Smith, Sheryl Swoopes and Robert Horry. Learn more at www.legendsofbasketball.com.
About Deuce: Headquartered in Windermere, Fl., Deuce is one of the fastest growing brand in the Golf and Lifestyle Industry. The parent company that manages the e-commerce brand Deuce, Promotional Product Portal with over 25k items Deuce Promo, as well as the 11 Destination Amateur Event Series - Deuce Am Tour. The brand’s purpose is to challenge what a brand is capable of doing in an industry typically confined to a category or collection. Deuce specializes in headwear, golf gloves, belts, luxury duffle bags, leather cigar pouches and humidors, lighters and much more. A transformative company that is shifting annually and challenging not only the industry, but themselves to grow beyond the ecosystem of lifestyle accessories.
-College Basketball Quadruple header in Chicago to spotlight the work of the National Basketball Retired Players Association-
CHICAGO (Aug. 23, 2022) – The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) and Intersport today announced details for the inaugural Legends of Basketball Showcase, a college basketball quadruple header set for Dec. 17 at the United Center in Chicago.
As part of the four-game set, Northern Iowa will face Towson and Tulane will take on George Mason in the afternoon session, while Dayton matches up against Wyoming and NC State will battle Vanderbilt in the evening session. Game times and television designations will be announced at a later date.
Tickets for the 2022 Legends of Basketball Showcase will go on sale to the general public on Sept. 21 and will be sold by session. For those looking to experience all four games, a purchase of the afternoon session and evening session will be required. Fans interested in attending the event can register to receive direct email alerts regarding ticket news and other event at www.LegendsofBasketball.com/Showcase. Those who register for these ticket alerts will be eligible for access to an exclusive one-day presale beginning on Sept. 20.
Founded in 1992, the NBRPA serves former professional basketball players in their transition into life after basketball. The NBRPA is the only alumni association of its kind supported directly by the NBA and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA).
“The NBRPA is thrilled to partner with Intersport to present the Legends of Basketball Showcase for the upcoming college basketball season,” said Scott Rochelle, President & CEO NBRPA. “With NBRPA membership, including several executive board directors having deep ties to the participating college basketball programs, this event is a natural fit for us to bring to fruition. We look forward, to what promises to be an extraordinary day and night of top-notch college hoops entertainment.”
“Intersport is excited to partner with the NBRPA and help them extend their already well-established presence in the basketball community,” said Mark Starsiak, vice president of basketball at Intersport, which will manage the event. “As we continue to grow our robust portfolio of successful basketball events around the country, we are eager to create a major annual showcase event alongside another Chicago-based organization right here in our hometown.”
The eight programs competing in the Legends of Basketball Showcase have produced a combined 204 NBA Draft selections, while several coaches participating in the event have connections to the NBRPA, and vice versa.
At the helm of Vanderbilt is 18-year NBA veteran Jerry Stackhouse, the former No. 3 overall draft pick and two-time All-Star who appeared in 970 games for eight teams. Wyoming assistant coach Shaun Vandiver is a former first-round pick (25th overall) by the Golden State Warriors in the 1991 NBA Draft. George Mason head coach Kim English was drafted in the 2nd Round (44th overall) of the 2012 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons and Northern Iowa assistant coach Seth Tuttle played for the Miami Heat’s Summer League team in 2015.
NBRPA Board Chairman Johnny Davis is a Dayton alum, leading the Flyers in scoring for three consecutive seasons (1973-76) before spending nearly four decades with the NBA as a player, front office executive, assistant and head coach. Additionally, two NBRPA Board Members are NC State alums. Thurl Bailey, who led the Wolfpack in both scoring and rebounding during the team’s miracle 1983 NCAA Championship season before embarking on a 13-season NBA career, and Chucky Brown, who led NC State in scoring in 1988 (16.6 ppg) and rebounding in 1989 season (8.8 rpg).
It will be the first matchup between Northern Iowa and Towson and the third between Tulane and George Mason, with the teams splitting the prior two contests. Dayton and Wyoming have also met twice previously, with Dayton winning in December 2004 and Wyoming winning in January 2004. The contest between NC State and Vanderbilt will be the sixth all time, with the Commodores owning a 3-2 edge in the series. Each of the previous three matchups have been neutral site contests, with NC State winning the last matchup in 2018.
To follow along with the NBRPA, find them on social media at @NBAalumni on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Twitch.
About the National Basketball Retired Players Association The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, and WNBA. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Legends Care is the charitable initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts youth and communities through basketball. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Vice Chairman Dave Cowens, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Thurl Bailey, Caron Butler, Jerome Williams, Shawn Marion, Charles “Choo” Smith, Sheryl Swoopes and Robert Horry. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.
About Intersport
Since 1985, Intersport has been an award-winning innovator and leader in the creation of sports, lifestyle, culinary and entertainment-based marketing platforms. With expertise in Sponsorship Consulting, Experiential Marketing, Hospitality, Retail Engagement, Content Marketing, Productions and Property Creation, this Chicago-based Marketing & Media Solutions Company helps its clients engage consumers with compelling ideas, content and experiences. To learn more about Intersport, visit www.intersport.global, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
-Events to Include Legends Tech Summit, Amazon Career Event, Outing at Top Golf Las Vegas and NBA Summer League Action-
Chicago, ILL. July 5, 2022 - The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) announced today the launch of its annual Legends Summer Getaway in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event will feature over 100 NBA, WNBA, and ABA Legends taking part in networking events from July 7-9. As part of the annual event, Legends will be treated to the Legends Tech Summit – Emerging Technology & Player Opportunities powered by The ARIA Exchange, the Amazon Career Event, an outing at TopGolf Las Vegas, NBA Summer League game action and an NBRPA hosted party at JEWEL Nightclub.
“Bringing retired players back for our events is a natural fit for us and is part of our DNA,” said NBRPA President and CEO Scott Rochelle. “With the importance of Summer League and all of the possibilities Las Vegas presents, we want to make sure we have a large presence here as well and keep this community of players involved in everything that’s going on in world of basketball and business.”
The Emerging Technology & Player Opportunities Tech Summit will provide a blue-ribbon panel consisting of NBA Legends Metta Sandiford-Artest, representatives from The ARIA Exchange, BLEAV, and the NBA and will be moderated by NBA/WNBA Analyst, ESPN - Ros Gold-Onwude. Discussions will center on the newest developments in the NFT space, podcasting, and the potential these innovative fields present for former players.
The Amazon Career event will feature WNBA Legend Yolanda Moore discussing her experiences as part of Amazon’s Athletes Program and the impact it has had on her post-playing career and the benefits for other athletes.
Legends will also show of their golf swings at an exclusive outing at TopGolf Las Vegas and check out the newest NBA talent when they take in NBA Summer League action at the Thomas & Mack Center.
About the National Basketball Retired Players Association: The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Legends Care is the charitable initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts youth and communities through basketball. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Vice Chairman Dave Cowens, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Thurl Bailey, Caron Butler, Jerome Williams, Shawn Marion, Charles “Choo” Smith, Sheryl Swoopes and Robert Horry. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.
To follow along with the NBRPA, find them on social media at @NBAalumni on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Twitch.
-Exclusive Partnership to Involve Nearly 1500 Basketball Legends Including Iconic Names – Bill Russell, Jerry West, Karl Malone, Walt Frazier, Chris Mullin and more-
-Revolutionary Media Network’s ARIA Exchange Reimagines the NFT Experience With An Original, Next-Level, Transparent, Secure and Carbon NegativeConsumer NFT trading platform-
Chicago, ILL. June 22, 2022 - The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) announced today a groundbreaking group licensing deal with ARIA Exchange. The multi-year agreement will allow ARIA Exchange to create royalty generating products, utilizing its innovative Aria 360 technology. ARIA Exchange will create and market virtual marketing ad-campaigns to brands featuring Legends and virtual images of Legends in the form of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) - digital assets that are functional through blockchain technology.
This robust opportunity ushers the NBRPA into the new iteration of internet technology, while leveraging Legends' Name, Image, and Likeness to best align with emerging digital trends.
“As the demand for Legends and their one-of-a-kind collectibles skyrockets, this partnership with ARIA Exchange allows us to bring our Legends into a new and innovative marketplace, where they can serve as connoisseurs and creators of their narrative,” said Scott Rochelle, President & CEO, National Basketball Retired Players Association. “We are thrilled to partner with ARIA Exchange to celebrate our Legends’ accomplishments and iconic moments and provide exclusive and artistic value to fans and collectors around the world.”
The first release featuring NBRPA Legends will be available summer 2022 exclusively on ARIA Exchange and will include such notable names as Bill Russell, Jerry West, Karl Malone, Isiah Thomas, Chris Mullin, John Stockton, Clyde Drexler, Dominique Wilkins, Grant Hill, Hakeem Olajuwon, Earl Monroe, Elgin Baylor and many more.
About the National Basketball Retired Players Association: The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Legends Care is the charitable initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts youth and communities through basketball. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Vice Chairman Dave Cowens, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Thurl Bailey, Caron Butler, Jerome Williams, Shawn Marion, Charles “Choo” Smith, Sheryl Swoopes and Robert Horry. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.
To follow along with the NBRPA, find them on social media at @NBAalumni on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Twitch.
- Legends Locker Room App to Provide Secure Destination for All NBRPA Members to Interact and Access Exclusive Content -
Chicago, ILL. May 5, 2021 - The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) today launched its most innovating initiative in providing an exclusive private community for all NBRPA members to communicate and interact. NBRPA membership will have access to the “Legends Locker Room” app, where they will have exposure to exclusive content, member-to-member communication, NBRPA programming, event information, commerce opportunities, career development resources and additional benefits to assist in their post-playing careers.
With the creation of the “Legends Locker Room” app, the NBRPA is able to provide an all-inclusive destination for basketball’s biggest stars to securely interact with each other via forums and direct messaging, publish player generated content, receive real-time updates, browse player profiles, and access all Legends Media & Entertainment (LME) content. LME is the NBRPA’s multifaceted story-telling platform producing, distributing and quantifying the wide-reaching stories of many of the NBA and WNBA’s biggest stars that was launched in August and has seen record growth since launch.
“We are extremely excited to be able to bring the “Legends Locker Room” app to life and to provide a one-stop communications platform for our over 1,300 members to utilize,” said Scott Rochelle, President and CEO of the National Basketball Retired Players Association. “This app enforces our commitment to provide our members with the best post-playing career support system and grant them access to a secure forum to network with our extended basketball family, explore career and business opportunities, generate, consume and share content and keep up to date with real-time updates on all NBRPA news, initiatives and events.”
In addition to accessing content and NBRPA updates, members will also be able to access health insurance updates, health and wellness programs, Symplicity career opportunities, scholarship resources, member grant programming, appearance opportunities, event information – including registration/transportation assistance and augmented reality options, for players that cannot attend in person, sponsorship and business opportunities as well as branded content from sponsors.
The “Legends Locker Room” app was created using technology from TopFan - an end-to-end technology platform for building highly engaged user communities and direct to consumer businesses that has been utilized by such entertainment entities as Warner Bros., MGM, Lionsgate, Maroon5, Zac Brown Band, the Denver Broncos, the MLB Players Association and the NFL Players Association among others.
About the National Basketball Retired Players Association: The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA, WNBA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Legends Care is the charitable initiative of the NBRPA that positively impacts youth and communities through basketball. Scott Rochelle is President and CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes Chairman of the Board Johnny Davis, Vice Chairman Dave Cowens, Treasurer Sam Perkins, Secretary Grant Hill, Thurl Bailey, Caron Butler, Jerome Williams, Shawn Marion, David Naves and Sheryl Swoopes. Learn more at legendsofbasketball.com.
