NBA: Sprite (Coca-Cola) replaces Starry (PepsiCo) as official global soft drink partner

Sprite, a lemon-lime soft drink brand of The Coca-Cola Company, has become the official global soft drink partner of the National Basketball Association (NBA), marking its return under a multiyear global partnership, announced the NBA and The Coca-Cola Company on 17/03/2026.

The agreement comes into effect during the 2025-26 season, "effective immediately", according to the Wall Street Journal on 17/03/2026, with a broader rollout planned from the 2026-27 season.

The Coca-Cola Company and the NBA were partners from 1986 to 2015. "For nearly three decades, Sprite helped shape how basketball connects with fans across sport, music, fashion and self-expression. From the cultural impact of the ”Obey Your Thirst” campaign in North America (notably featuring Kobe Bryant), to streetball tournaments in Asia, player-led collaborations in Latin America, and activations across Europe and Africa, Sprite’s presence within basketball culture spans generations and continents," said the NBA. Between 2003 and 2016, Sprite also served as title sponsor of the Slam Dunk Contest at the NBA All-Star Game…