The Ball family’s decision to join Roc Nation Sports was a move that could have multiple ripple effects. One of the most obvious connections, though, featured PUMA and a potential deal with LaMelo Ball.
Jay-Z, the founder of Roc Nation, also serves as the leader of the basketball division of PUMA. Ball, expected to be one of the top picks in the 2020 NBA Draft, is a sneaker free agent that has been fielding offers from companies.
Naturally, the connection made between the two parties is that Ball could join PUMA. And that move could see him bring Big Baller Brand with him.
During an interview with TMZ, LaVar Ball talked about the possibility of a Big Baller Brand and PUMA collaboration.
“That could be. See, that’s the good thing about dealing with Roc Nation. The possibilities are unlimited…If everything goes right, this thing could be explosive. They said something that I liked which is ‘LaVar, we want to change the game. We want to do something special.’ That terminology right there means I’m supposed to be with you guys because my boys are special.”
Ball also cleared the air on how big Baller Brand is operating as they move, confirming he’s still in charge and the brand will move together as a family going forward.
“I’m always going to be in control of Big Baller Brand. Like I said, my boys are always going to be with me. We’re going to make moves together. That’s what people don’t understand. We don’t care how they think. They can try to split us up or do whatever. We’re always going to be a family brand. Ain’t nothing they can say or do to make us divide.”
A PUMA-Big Baller Brand collaboration could be an interesting move for both sides. While PUMA has stepped up its presence in the NBA in recent years, it’s still lacking a high-profile figure and star appeal that other brands have.
Big Baller Brand, meanwhile, has largely floundered in the last year as LaMelo and Lonzo have distanced from the brand. While the company has the name-brand appeal, it lacks the physical product or infrastructure to capitalize on that popularity.
A collaboration between the two would be a bigger risk for PUMA but could combine their infrastructure with Big Baller Brand’s name appeal. If it pays off, it could be a huge win for both parties. But all of this is making the assumption LaMelo signs with PUMA as well.
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