How it Works

Application

Application

The application was open from September 12th to October 18th, 2024

The application was open from September 12th to October 18th, 2024

The Game

Future of
Officiating

Future of Youth Basketball

Future of Player Health & Wellbeing

The Business

Future of
Media

Future of Fan Connection

Future of NBA Impact

Selection Process

Selection Process

Several companies from each priority are chosen to present their product or service to a panel of league and team experts. Each company is then evaluated based on strength of team, value of the product for the priority area, and willingness to co-create with the NBA. Judges then select one company from each priority area to participate in the program.

Several companies from each priority are chosen to present their product or service to a panel of league and team experts. Each company is then evaluated based on strength of team, value of the product for the priority area, and willingness to co-create with the NBA. Judges then select one company from each priority area to participate in the program.

R&D Project

R&D Project

The winning companies will participate in a unique six-month R&D project within the NBA’s ecosystem properties. In addition to the product development focus, the NBA pilot provides mentorship from key NBA personnel and exposure to contacts across the industry.

The winning companies will participate in a unique six-month R&D project within the NBA’s ecosystem properties. In addition to the product development focus, the NBA pilot provides mentorship from key NBA personnel and exposure to contacts across the industry.

Launchpad Demo Day

Launchpad Demo Day

As a finale to the 2025 Launchpad program, the selected portfolio companies will present the results of their six-month R&D projects to NBA executives, strategic partners, and investors during NBA Summer League.

As a finale to the 2025 Launchpad program, the selected portfolio companies will present the results of their six-month R&D projects to NBA executives, strategic partners, and investors during NBA Summer League.

Partnership Evaluation

Partnership Evaluation

The league will use the results of the R&D projects to evaluate the possibility of a broader strategic partnership with each company.

The league will use the results of the R&D projects to evaluate the possibility of a broader strategic partnership with each company.

Timeline

SEP 12th

Application Opened

oct 18th

Application Closed

Nov

Finalists Selected

Nov-Dec

Finalists Presentations

Jan

R&D Projects Begin

jul

Demo Day

Contact Us

If you have any questions about the application, selection day or the NBA pilot, please email launchpad@nba.com.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about the application, selection day or the NBA pilot, please email launchpad@nba.com.