This innovative partnership aims to create an interactive shopping experience for the users that connects them closer to the sport they love.
MeetKai, a metaverse and conversational AI company, and THINK450, a partnership and innovation engine of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), announced their partnership with the unveiling of an exclusive first-look at their upcoming metaverse at CES 2024. Located at the Bellini 2003 Meeting Room at The Venetian Expo, MeetKai and THINK450 will offer attendees a sneak peek and walkthrough of the world set to launch this winter.
James Kaplan, MeetKai Co-Founder and CEO, said, “At MeetKai, we’re honored to power the NBPA’s first-ever metaverse experience, allowing fans to engage with their favorite athletes like never before. THINK450 has always been at the forefront of creating innovative and engaging partnerships and experiences so we’re proud to join forces to create an interactive shopping experience that connects them closer with the sport they love.”
As part of the virtual shopping experience, basketball fans can personalize their realistic 3D avatars to roam and interact with the avatars of NBPA members and other fans, browse merchandise, discover new products, and virtually try on apparel before making a purchase, which can be shipped directly to their homes. To further immerse users in basketball fandom like never before, the NBPA metaverse experience will continue to roll out additional features throughout the season, including virtual meet and greets with players, a media lounge featuring exclusive previews of NBPA content, other gamified contests where users can win exclusive merchandise, a trip to visit “The Brotherhood Deli” in-person, and more.
Que Gaskins, President of THINK450, said, “We are excited to partner with MeetKai to expand The Brotherhood Deli into a metaverse experience. The Brotherhood Deli pop-up is a great opportunity for the basketball community to shop for what I have coined, player “F.I.R.E.” (Founded, Invested, Respected, or Endorsed) brands. By expanding The Brotherhood Deli into a metaverse experience, we provide proximity and access to a larger audience while building a community where fans and players can engage on a deeper level.”
Weili Dai, MeetKai Co-Founder and Executive Chairwoman, said, “We’re thrilled that the NBPA has chosen and deployed our world-leading technology for its virtual experience in this newfound partnership. We’re especially excited to showcase a preview of this metaverse at CES 2024. I’m extremely proud of our team, from working with the Drone Racing League to the Charlotte Hornets, MeetKai rose the technology bar in delivering cost-effective solutions and immersive experiences in the sports world. Collaborating with the NBPA is a natural extension for us and we look forward to a very successful, long term partnership.”
