Rakuten Extend Golden State Warriors Partnership
November 12, 2021
The Golden State Warriors and Rakuten Group have extended their agreement that will continue to feature the Rakuten logo on Warriors uniforms, renewing a historic partnership that began in 2017 when the Warriors welcomed Rakuten as the team’s first-ever jersey partner. A badge featuring the Rakuten logo will continue to appear on the left front of every Warriors home, away and practice uniforms.
Headquartered in Tokyo with North American operations based in San Mateo, California, Rakuten has market-leading businesses in e-commerce, digital advertising, entertainment and e-books, among many others. Its name is the Japanese word for ‘optimism,’ which means that Warriors players don a badge of optimism over their hearts.
“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,” said Warriors President and Chief Operating Officer Brandon Schneider. “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.”
“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,” said Amit Patel, CEO at Rakuten Americas. “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.”
Warriors fans can continue to earn Cash Back from Rakuten on online and instore purchases at Warriors Shop, both in store and online. To take advantage online, fans simply register for a free Rakuten membership and then enter Warriors Shop at rakuten.com/warriors. To earn Cash Back on in-store purchases, Rakuten members must link a credit card through the Rakuten In-Store Cash Back Offers page.
As it did last season, Rakuten is the presenting partner of a season-long campaign tied to Warriors on-court jerseys. This year, the team’s Classic Edition uniform, the Warriors Origins jersey, is a modern-era spin on the team’s 1961-62 road uniform that the team wore 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. On three occasions this season, Rakuten will offer fans an exclusive free item from the Warriors Origins x Mitchell & Ness Limited Edition March collection when they enter Warriors Shop online at http://rakuten.com/warriors and make a qualifying purchase of $25 or more.
Rakuten also continues in several other partnership capacities, including as the Warriors’ Official E-Commerce Partner, Official Video-On-Demand Partner and Official Affiliate Marketing Partner. In addition, Rakuten Group’s global mobile voice messaging service Rakuten Viber remains the Warriors’ Official Instant Messaging and Calling App Partner, and Rakuten Kobo is Official E-Reader Partner.
Rakuten and the Warriors plan to resume their collaborations on charitable ventures in the San Francisco Bay Area community, such as the recent basketball court refurbishment at Oakland’s McClymonds High School. The Rakuten partnership also includes logo representation in the Warriors traveling party and additional marketing elements, including signage in Chase Center and other digital, social and radio executions.
Image: Golden State Warriors
