Since that announcement, Puma has splashed the cash landing some of the hottest up-and-coming talents in the NBA. The legendary rapper and producer was charged with leading creative projects and marketing efforts across the brand’s basketball investments, as well as a hands-on role in assisting with talent-spotting of players to joint he brand. Ahead of the 2018 NBA Draft, Puma announced none other than Jay-Z as their Creative Director of Basketball Operations. The complete list of NBA players signed by Puma is below: NBA Players Signed with PumaĪs part of Puma’s moves into basketball and the NBA, before announcing any current players, they announced one that one the biggest stars on the planet was joining their ranks. Barrett, Demarcus Cousins, Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr., Michael Porter Jr., Terry Rozier and Marcus Smart. Pumas roster is rounded out by the likes of Deandre Ayton, R.J. Which current NBA stars have signed deals with Puma? The most notable NBA star signed with Puma is Lamelo Ball, the 2021 Rookie of the year has a signature shoe deal with the German brand. Not good for brand reputation, especially as they didn’t yet have a strong presence in North America.Īfter the best part of twenty years and the likes of Adidas and Nike sweeping up across the NBA, Puma re-launched itself in the NBA ahead of the 2018 NBA Draft signing 5 of the top 16 picks. The brand’s reputation in the sport took a major hit when it signed a 10-year deal with Vince Carter back in 1998 only for Carter to end the deal after a year and a half citing that the shoes hurt his feet. Until recently, Puma’s name had not been part of the NBA.
As part of this, the German brand has worked with some of the biggest names in world sports with key ambassadors including the legendary Usain Bolt, top-draw international soccer players such as Sergio Aguero, Neymar, Antoine Griezmann, and Cesc Fabregas, PGA Tour winner Rickie Fowler, and the now seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton. Puma’s name has been synonymous with major sporting events for many years.