Rakuten and the Golden State Warriors continue a winning tradition
Since 2017, Rakuten and the Golden State Warriors have had a history of winning both on and off the court, with a strong partnership serving as the foundation for success. Continuing the tradition of winning, Rakuten and the Warriors have agreed to extend their historic partnership, which places the Rakuten name and logo above the hearts of the players.
Celebrating Warriors history
When Rakuten became the Golden State Warriors’ first-ever jersey badge partner in 2017, the partnership meant more than just patching a logo onto a uniform. This new chapter in Dub Nation history became an opportunity to build upon the rich culture and history of Warriors fans everywhere.
“We’ve established an incredible partnership with Rakuten, a collaboration built on the foundation of mutual respect, aligned values and a desire to continue to innovate.”
Brandon Schneider, President & Chief Operating Officer, Golden State Warriors
To celebrate the franchise’s illustrious history during the 2021-22 NBA season, Rakuten is the presenting partner of a season-long campaign, Warriors Origins, which is tied to the team’s Classic Edition jersey. This jersey is a modern-era spin on the team’s 1961-62 road uniform worn in its 16th and final season in Philadelphia prior to moving to the West Coast. Warriors Origins celebrates the team’s accomplishments in Philadelphia, including the 1947 and 1956 NBA championships and several individual league records that stand to this day — highlighted by Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game on March 2, 1962 vs. the New York Knicks.
As a part of the season-long campaign, Rakuten will offer fans an exclusive free item from the Warriors Origins x Mitchell & Ness Limited Edition Merch collection on three occasions throughout the season when they shop at the Warriors Shop through Rakuten and make a qualifying purchase of $25 USD or more. Warriors fans can also earn 10% Cash Back from Rakuten on online and in-store purchases at the Warriors Shop all season long.
A culture of community empowerment
In addition to the Warriors’ jersey badge for over five seasons — including the team’s 2020-21 Oakland Forever uniforms, presented by Rakuten, and the 2017-18 Chinese Heritage jersey — Rakuten has partnered with the Warriors on a variety of initiatives designed to empower local communities. Rakuten collaborates with the Warriors on the annual Future Leaders Experience which, in 2019, focused on introducing middle school-aged young women from Girls, Inc. to careers in sports. This past summer, the two organizations combined their efforts to refurbish a basketball court at McClymonds High School, an Oakland institution with a legendary basketball program.
“The Golden State Warriors exemplify Rakuten’s values and those we look for in a partner: innovation, teamwork and a desire to be a positive influence in the community. “
Amit Patel, CEO, Rakuten Americas
Remarking on the synergies powering both organizations’ commitment to the community, Warriors President & Chief Operating Officer Brandon Schneider said, “Dating back to 2017, we’ve established an incredible partnership with Rakuten, a collaboration built on the foundation of mutual respect, aligned values and a desire to continue to innovate. As a leading technology company, Rakuten understands the evolving trajectory of the sports business industry, and together we will continue to enhance the player and fan experience for Warriors fans around the world.”
Common values and a shared sense of purpose
Rakuten and the Golden State Warriors have not been shy when describing what their partnership is based on: shared values. The partnership works because both organizations are innovators, focusing on being team-oriented, “positionless” and disruptive in their fields. Both Rakuten and the Warriors also share a commitment to their communities, with a focus on giving back and lifting up or empowering those in need.
Amit Patel, CEO of Rakuten Americas, succinctly captures what makes the relationship special. “The Golden State Warriors exemplify Rakuten’s values and those we look for in a partner: innovation, teamwork and a desire to be a positive influence in the community. We share the Warriors’ belief that reaching your goals requires optimism and discipline, and we look forward to supporting the team in its quest for its next NBA championship.”
Building off the strength of the partnership, and with big plans for the future, both Rakuten and the Warriors are excited to continue making positive impacts on society, aiming for wins on the court and in the community.
