Viber will become the Official Messaging and Calling App Partner of the Golden State Warriors after parent company Rakuten announced a multi-year partnership for its logo to appear on Warriors jerseys beginning this season.
The deal comes after Viber became the official communication channel of FC Barcelona, with the club launching a Viber Public Account after Rakuten’s partnership began in July.
The Warriors partnering with Tokyo-based e-commerce company Rakuten is fitting as they gained worldwide attention for winning the NBA championship in two of the past three seasons and featuring superstars in Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, who has an interest in messaging apps.
“Like FC Barcelona, the iconic soccer club we partner with, the Warriors are innovators in their sport that have helped create a more beautiful game through a distinct style of unselfish, teamwork-oriented play,” Rakuten Inc. founder and CEO Hiroshi “Mickey” Mikitani said in a statement.
As part of the agreement, Rakuten also becomes the Official E-Commerce Partner, Official Video-On-Demand Partner and Official Affiliate Marketing Partner of the Warriors. The Rakuten Kobo eReaders will become the Official E-Reader Partner of the Warriors.
“Rakuten is an innovative global leader that we knew would align well with our values and principles as an organization,” Warriors president Rick Welts said in a statement. “We have incredible fan support around the globe and this partnership is another way to not only continue to grow the Warriors brand globally, but also further connect with our fans in Japan, Asia and Europe.”
This deal makes Viber the @warriors Official Instant Messaging and Calling App Partner! Tons of surprises coming soon!
https://t.co/S5c5M3H72i
— Viber (@Viber) September 12, 2017
