NBA & Golden State Warriors:
Global Brand Growth &
Fan Engagement
Global Brand Growth &
Fan Engagement
Led creative direction, digital design, and strategic stakeholder communication for Rakuten's groundbreaking partnership with the
Golden State Warriors.
This multi-faceted project aimed to expand Rakuten's presence in the APAC market and globally leverage the NBA Rakuten streaming service across 100+ countries.
Key initiatives included the NBA Japan Games, community court refurbishments with star players, and diverse branded content, driving significant fan engagement and brand visibility for Rakuten
across its ecosystem.
Golden State Warriors.
This multi-faceted project aimed to expand Rakuten's presence in the APAC market and globally leverage the NBA Rakuten streaming service across 100+ countries.
Key initiatives included the NBA Japan Games, community court refurbishments with star players, and diverse branded content, driving significant fan engagement and brand visibility for Rakuten
across its ecosystem.
My Role & Contributions:
Strategic Brand Integration & Creative Direction:
I guided the creative strategy for integrating the Rakuten brand across all touchpoints of the Warriors' global presence. This included the iconic jersey badge, stadium branding, and ensuring a consistent brand message across all partnership activities.
I guided the creative strategy for integrating the Rakuten brand across all touchpoints of the Warriors' global presence. This included the iconic jersey badge, stadium branding, and ensuring a consistent brand message across all partnership activities.
Global Market Expansion (APAC Focus):
Focused on leveraging the partnership to expand Rakuten's reach, particularly in the APAC market.
Focused on leveraging the partnership to expand Rakuten's reach, particularly in the APAC market.
Digital Fan Engagement & Content Strategy:
Oversaw the development of digital experiences and branded content designed to engage fans globally. This included:
Oversaw the development of digital experiences and branded content designed to engage fans globally. This included:
Promoting and leveraging the NBA Rakuten streaming service to deliver live games and exclusive content to fans across 100+ countries.
Community Impact & Experiential Activations:
Directed community-focused initiatives that deepened the partnership's impact. A notable example is the court refurbishment project in Setagaya, Tokyo, where Warriors stars like Stephen Curry engaged directly with local youth, demonstrating Rakuten's and the
Warriors' shared commitment to community.
Directed community-focused initiatives that deepened the partnership's impact. A notable example is the court refurbishment project in Setagaya, Tokyo, where Warriors stars like Stephen Curry engaged directly with local youth, demonstrating Rakuten's and the
Warriors' shared commitment to community.
Stakeholder Communication & Project Management:
Managed complex relationships with the Golden State Warriors, the NBA, Rakuten's various group companies (Ebates, Viber, Kobo), and local partners. Ensured seamless execution of all elements, from press conferences and product integrations to large-scale international events.
Managed complex relationships with the Golden State Warriors, the NBA, Rakuten's various group companies (Ebates, Viber, Kobo), and local partners. Ensured seamless execution of all elements, from press conferences and product integrations to large-scale international events.
Key Achievements & Impact:
Enhanced Global Brand Visibility:
Significantly boosted Rakuten's brand recognition through the prominent jersey sponsorship and high-profile international events.
Significantly boosted Rakuten's brand recognition through the prominent jersey sponsorship and high-profile international events.
Market Penetration (APAC):
Successfully utilized the partnership to strengthen Rakuten's position and engagement in the critical APAC market.
Successfully utilized the partnership to strengthen Rakuten's position and engagement in the critical APAC market.
Strategic Alliance:
Built a strong, lasting partnership that served as a model for leveraging sports sponsorships for integrated business and brand objectives.
Built a strong, lasting partnership that served as a model for leveraging sports sponsorships for integrated business and brand objectives.
This project highlights my expertise in leading large-scale global sports partnerships, translating strategic business goals into compelling creative and digital activations, and managing complex projects to achieve significant brand growth and fan engagement across diverse international markets.
