Industry News

Vivid Seats signs first NBA deal

Vivid Seats has signed its first partnership in the NBA after becoming an official ticket marketplace of the LA Clippers.

The multi-year partnership, which goes live ahead of the 2018-19 season, includes an integration with AXS, the Clippers’ ticketing provider, that will enable fans to buy and sell tickets on both Vivid Seats and the AXS Marketplace on Clippers.com.

Vivid Seats has a series of partnerships across US sport, with clients including TV network ESPN and the NFL’s Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers.

Gillian Zucker, president of business operations for the LA Clippers, said: “Our goal is that every single touchpoint our fans have with the Clippers is an exceptional experience – from purchasing their tickets to catching a hot dog from the hot dog cannon – and Vivid Seats not only understands that fully, but is able to help us achieve that outcome.

“We’re excited to improve yet another aspect of the Clippers experience through our new relationship with Vivid Seats.”

It is hoped the partnership will “simplify” the trading of tickets via a seamless mobile solution. It has been designed to offer sellers increased reach, buyers a broader selection of inventory, and more access to tickets for the Clippers fan community

The partnership also includes activations such as in-game signage and digital, social and ticket assets.

“Vivid Seats was created as a technology platform to help fans experience the live events they love and to help ticket holders reach the broadest audience possible, and we are confident this partnership will benefit Clippers fans throughout Southern California and beyond,” said Geoff Lester, Vivid Seats’ chief commercial officer.

“We are thrilled Gillian and her team share our vision of providing their fans with a best-in-class buying and selling experience, and we are excited to partner with them to offer new and differentiated features for Clippers fans.”

Image: David Jones