Wingstop Becomes Official Chicken Partner of the NBA: A Flavorful Partnership for Fans
Wings on the Court: The NBA’s Newest Taste Sensation!
by: Aurelia Swift
NEW YORK AND DALLAS – The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Wingstop (NASDAQ: WING) have announced a groundbreaking multiyear partnership, designating Wingstop as the Official Chicken Partner of both the NBA and the NBA G League. This marks Wingstop’s inaugural official collaboration with a major U.S. professional sports league.
As Wingstop continues to expand, boasting over 2,350 locations and counting, the brand will capitalize on media exposure through virtual and courtside signage during nationally televised NBA games. Additionally, it will have a presence across the leagues’ social media and digital platforms throughout the season.
“Our fans love enjoying our cooked-to-order wings, hand-sauced and tossed in bold flavors while watching NBA games,” stated Michael Skipworth, Wingstop’s President & CEO. “This partnership further solidifies Wingstop’s unique position as the Official Chicken and Official Wing Partner of the NBA.”
Wingstop will also have a prominent role at NBA All-Star events, starting with the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend in the San Francisco Bay Area. Flavor enthusiasts can look forward to Wingstop serving as the presenting partner for the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game Green Carpet, which showcases celebrity arrivals ahead of the annual exhibition game on February 14 at Oakland Arena.
“Wingstop has become a staple in the gameday experience for many of our fans,” said Julie Morris, NBA Senior Vice President of Commercial Development and Media. “We are excited to welcome Wingstop into the NBA family and are eager to work together to engage fans in innovative and exciting ways, bringing them closer to the game they love.”
This partnership complements Wingstop’s existing affiliations with NBA teams, including the Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, and New York Knicks.
About Wingstop
Founded in 1994 and based in Dallas, TX, Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ: WING) operates and franchises over 2,350 locations globally. Known as “The Wing Experts,” Wingstop is dedicated to delivering an exceptional guest experience through a best-in-class technology platform, offering classic and boneless wings, tenders, and chicken sandwiches. All items are cooked to order and hand-sauced in a selection of 12 distinctive flavors, complemented by signature sides like fresh-cut seasoned fries and house-made ranch and bleu cheese dips.
In the fiscal year 2023, Wingstop saw a remarkable 27.1% increase in system-wide sales, reaching approximately $3.5 billion, marking 20 consecutive years of same-store sales growth. With aspirations to become a Top 10 Global Restaurant Brand, Wingstop’s system consists of corporate-owned restaurants and independent franchisees, accounting for approximately 98% of its total restaurant count of 2,352 as of June 29, 2024.
