COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado (April 4, 2024) – USA Basketball announced today a multiyear partnership making leading California wineries Kendall-Jackson and La Crema the Official Wine Partners of USA Basketball.
Kendall-Jackson and La Crema, distinguished brands within Jackson Family Wines and leaders in the wine industry, will commence their activation with USA Basketball starting at the USA Basketball Showcase this summer. This journey begins with the USA Men’s National Team tipping off against Canada on July 10 at 10:30 p.m. ET at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
In yet another exciting endeavor, Kendall-Jackson and La Crema are proud to lend support to USA Basketball's 50th Anniversary celebration. This milestone is not only a celebration but also a testament to the profound connection shared between the three brands. Kendall-Jackson's inaugural vine planting in 1974 coincides with the founding year of USA Basketball, marking a serendipitous alignment of histories.
"We are thrilled to welcome Kendall-Jackson and La Crema to the USA Basketball family,” said USA Basketball CEO Jim Tooley. “We’re excited to work with Kendall-Jackson and La Crema to engage with our fans around USA Basketball’s 50th anniversary and national team activities this summer.”
Barbara Banke, Chairman and Proprietor of Jackson Family Wines, said, “We are proud to be the official wine partners and support the men and women of USA Basketball. Bringing together some of the most esteemed athletes to represent America, USA Basketball symbolizes the pinnacle of athletic achievement. Together, we'll be raising a toast to USA Basketball on their journey towards victory in Paris later this summer.”
The NBA and WNBA also announced a multiyear partnership naming Kendall-Jackson and La Crema the official wine partners of their organizations, respectively.
To learn more about Kendall-Jackson Wines, visit www.KJ.com/NBA. To learn more about La Crema, visit www.LaCrema.com/WNBA.
About Kendall-Jackson
Kendall-Jackson is a family-owned and operated winery leading the super-premium wine market through ingenuity, investment in preeminent vineyards and relentless commitment to fine wine quality. Since planting its first vines in 1974 by founder Jess Jackson, Kendall-Jackson has built an inimitable reputation as one of the most trusted, iconic brands in the wine industry. Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens is Sonoma County’s premier wine and culinary destination. Home to critically acclaimed wines, including America’s #1 selling Chardonnay, Vintner’s Reserve, the estate boasts a stunning four-acre culinary garden filled with a bountiful array of local and rare produce, offering visitors a picturesque setting to every wine experience. The brand’s success has been firmly rooted in a strident commitment to an outstanding pedigree of vineyards. As a leader in sustainable vineyard and winery practices, including water and energy conservation, 100 percent of Kendall-Jackson’s vineyards are third party certified by CCSW (Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing).
About La Crema
Our original name, La Crema Viñera, means “best of the vine,” setting an indelible standard for the family owned and operated winery since our inception in 1979. La Crema is part of the global portfolio of wineries owned by Jackson Family Wines, spanning across California, Oregon, Canada, Italy, France, South Africa, Chile, and Australia. La Crema wines are produced from the world’s preeminent growing regions, resulting in an uncompromised level of quality that is always promised and always delivered. We set the standard for quality-driven winemaking at scale, and cutting-edge practices for sustainable resource conservancy and protection. Across our past, present and looking to the future, La Crema represents life, enriched. We have a shared belief in elevating the lives of those around us, leading with openness, allyship, and a high regard for involvement and investment in organizations that our communities value. We are committed to amplifying the spirit of progress, celebrating individuality, and creating a world that gathers to celebrate the Best of Us.
About USA Basketball
Basketball, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, is the National Governing Body for the sport of basketball in the United States. As the recognized governing body for basketball in the U.S. by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), USA Basketball is responsible for the selection and training of USA teams that compete in FIBA-sponsored basketball competitions and select national events, and for the development of youth basketball initiatives addressing player development, coach education and safety. To learn more, click here.