The Cavaliers were presented with the NBA Team of the Year Award for their record-breaking success across business operations.
NEW YORK – The National Basketball Association (NBA) yesterday announced the winners of the 2026 NBA Team Sales & Marketing Awards at the league’s annual NBA Sales & Marketing Meeting in Miami.
The Cleveland Cavaliers were presented with the NBA Team of the Year Award for their record-breaking success across business operations. The Cavaliers also took home the Inclusion Leadership Award, while the Toronto Raptors received the Team Innovation Award. Additionally, Olivia Hay of the Memphis Grizzlies was recognized with the Pete Winemiller Guest Experience Innovation Award, while Billy Phillips of the Dallas Mavericks was recognized with the Values of the Game Award.
“NBA teams continue to set industry standards for fan engagement, elevated experiences, and social impact,” said Jonathan Tillman, NBA Executive Vice President, Head of Team Marketing and Business Operations (TMBO). “We’re proud to recognize this year’s distinguished group of NBA Sales & Marketing Award winners for their remarkable efforts.”
NBA Team of the Year: Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers delivered a record-breaking 2024-25 season in several areas, including revenue, partnerships and attendance. A nearly 70% year-over-year increase in new season ticket memberships helped the franchise reach a home sellout streak that stands at 170 games and counting. The team also had its most successful City Edition retail campaign ever and generated significant partnership opportunities, including a historic 25-year extension with Cleveland Clinic and a variety of innovative fan experience campaigns such as “Cavalanche powered by Wendy’s.” Additionally, the launch of the team’s new members-only luxury club “HIPP” located inside Rocket Arena has generated additional fan engagement opportunities and incremental revenue.
NBA Inclusion Leadership Award: Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers have made inclusion and community impact an integral component of their organizational strategy and distinguished themselves as leaders in the space, defined by the team philosophy, “For More Than Profit.” In commemoration of the 1967 Cleveland Summit, the Cavaliers launched two marquee programs driven by their commitment to inclusion: “A Seat at the Table: Voices of Tomorrow” – a leadership conference for nearly 100 young adults – and the “Social Impact Academy” – a fully funded nine-month program for 20 students focused on equity, civic engagement and activism.
NBA Team Innovation Award: Toronto Raptors
The Raptors have helped redefine fan engagement and sport science with their innovative Shooting Lab – an industry-first activation that reaches fans through elite biomechanics, computer vision and AI technology. This experience allows fans to compare their shooting mechanics to Raptors players, receive personalized insights, and create custom digital player cards. Shooting Lab, which reaches fans and players globally, bridges the gap between high-performance science and fan interactivity.
Pete Winemiller Guest Experience Innovation Award: Olivia Hay, Memphis Grizzlies
Olivia Hay has set the standard among her peers and inspired those around her by exemplifying the Grizzlies’ CLICK values (Communicating courteously, Listening to learn, Initiating immediately, Creating connections and Knowing Your stuff). She launched a monthly newsletter to recognize part-time employees and consistently creates opportunities for camaraderie between her team. Her uncanny ability to drive connection with others defines the spirit of the Pete Winemiller Guest Experience Award.
NBA Values of the Game Award: Billy Phillips, Dallas Mavericks
Mavericks Vice President of Corporate Sponsorships Billy Phillips is retiring this month after 33 years with the organization. His legacy will be defined by integrity and a long list of impactful contributions, including securing the naming rights for the American Airlines Center, leading programs like “Seats for Heroes” and overseeing 35 court refurbishment projects around the world, including in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Germany and Mexico. Billy has continued to lead by example, cementing his influence on the franchise and community for generations.
