The NBA is continuing to leverage its imprint in technology and culture, as the league and the NBA Foundation will jointly activate at the 2025 AfroTech Conference, taking place from Oct. 27-31 in Houston, Texas.
This will be the NBA’s fourth consecutive year having a presence at AfroTech, hosting a variety of activations that showcase the intersection of basketball, tech and innovation. Attendees will be invited to engage in immersive opportunities that demonstrate how the NBA continues to embrace technology to enhance the fan experience.
“Whether it’s social media, tech, or fashion, the NBA drives culture,” said Jade Daniels, the senior product manager helping lead the AfroTech planning committee. “AfroTech provides a platform for the NBA to celebrate the intersection of culture, basketball and tech.”
A few major activations throughout the week in Houston include:
- AWS x NBA Arena – The weeklong immersive basketball activation will feature a basketball court displaying the new basketball intelligence platform NBA Inside the Game powered by AWS, offering fans a glimpse of the new AI-powered advanced stats and Play Finder feature that will be introduced this season. The experience will also help fans understand how AWS powers Prime Video, which will stream NBA games beginning with the 2025-26 season, and underscore the role they will play in broadening the NBA’s reach.
- The Tip-Off: Hoops, Culture & Tech – This welcome event on Oct. 28 features an immersive and interactive exhibit illustrating the evolution of the league over the years, including how the NBA has shaped culture through the lens of tech, art, media and fashion. The space will offer an opportunity for guests to connect and for NBA partners to highlight the many innovations that help enhance the fan experience and drive impact off the court.
- The Fast Break Life of John Wall – Five-time NBA All-Star and NBA on Prime analyst John Wall will reflect on his Raleigh roots and share how his upbringing paved the way for his NBA career. He’ll also open up about his personal growth and areas such as entrepreneurship and community impact as well as look ahead to his role as an analyst for NBA on Prime, discussing how he hopes his passion for the game will resonate with viewers and enrich Prime Video’s NBA coverage.
The NBA Foundation is sponsoring 100 Houston-area college students to take part in events and connect with professionals across multiple industries. The experience will deliver students networking and learning opportunities, including a “Career Lounge” welcome reception at the Brooklyn Nets at Houston Rockets game on Oct. 27, and access to the Tech Challenge.
“This year it is exciting to see a specific focus on student programming, AI and innovations in MedTech,” said Genisha Metcalf, partnership lead for the NBA Foundation that’s also leading planning efforts with Daniels. “The NBA Foundation’s mission is to drive economic opportunity in NBA markets and it is energizing to see AfroTech deepening its impact in Houston.”
Students will be placed in a mentoring circle on Oct. 28 to discuss career opportunities, explore the AfroTech Expo Hall and build connections with recruiters from across industries. Each mentoring circle will be led by a professional across tech, media, sports or social impact.
Daniels says despite the planning efforts that are being poured into creating a polished and well-operated conference, the conversations that happen amongst students and working professionals will be the ultimate determinant of success.
“It’s about the conversations and connections it sparks,” said Daniels. “If we’re able to keep sharing the story of how technology creates access and opportunity for both fans and players, then we’ve done something meaningful.”
For more information on the AfroTech Conference, click here.
