NBA referees to start wearing sponsored patches / News - Basketnews.com

Referees will wear Emirates-sponsored patches starting with the All-Star Game this year. The practice will continue onwards as part of a wider sponsorship that also includes the In-Season Tournament.

Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports - Scanpix Credit Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports - Scanpix

NBA players started wearing sponsored patches on their jerseys multiple seasons ago. The practice now comes to the referees as well.

The league announced that officials will wear sponsored patches on the left chest during the All-Star Game this season. The practice will continue after the All-Star Weekend.

The NBA signed a sponsorship agreement with Emirates Airlines this week. As such, the NBA's In-Season Tournament will be called the Emirates NBA Cup. As part of the sponsorship, the referees will wear Emirates patches during all NBA games.

Referees are usually seen in close-up situations when they administrate reviews after coach challenges.

The sponsored patches on players' jerseys brought additional income to each NBA team and the move was seen as a non-intrusive improvement financially.

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