Op and NBA Strike a Deal
Basketball fans will soon be able to wear the trappings of their devotion on the beach. Irvine, Calif.–based Ocean Pacific has announced a partnership with the National Basketball Association for a new NBA Beach collection of apparel for young men, juniors and kids.
Under the three-year licensing deal, Op will design, manufacture, sell and distribute the collection of team logo swim and beachwear, including swimwear, cover-ups, Tshirts and accessories. The deal is the first of its kind for Op.
“We felt there was something we could bring to the table—a different fashion component than what was already within the NBA’s current offerings,” said Andrew Lelchuk, Op’s senior vice president. “We understand who their target customer is. There’s a natural synergy between Op, the beach lifestyle and the NBA.”
The beach-inspired line for hoopsters is set to retail in better specialty and sportinggoods stores, at the NBA Store in New York and online at www.NBAstore.com. Buyers will get their first glimpse of the Spring 2007 NBA Beach Collection at the MAGIC Marketplace in August. —Erin Barajas
