The Nets Brought Virtual Good Luck to the NBA Draft

Are you looking for new ways to engage fans around a league draft? Are you looking for new ways to leverage social media platforms to drive water cooler conversations around your organization?

It has become a customary practice for NBA organizations to bring a good luck charm with them to the annual NBA Draft in anticipation of securing a top pick. While some organizations send rising stars, new owners, and sweepstakes winners, the New Jersey Nets turned to VaynerMedia and their avid social media following to bring them good luck in 2010.

The Nets and VaynerMedia created a microsite, http://netsgoodluckcharm.com, that utilized Twitter and Facebook social plugins to allow fans the opportunity to post good luck messages to the team without having to leave the page and participate via their social media accounts. With a 25% chance of securing the top pick, Nets fans left hundreds of good luck messages and shared their thoughts about the Net's future and the hopes of securing an elite prospect. The organization launched the microsite at 9am the morning of the Draft and kept it live until just shortly after the draft picks were announced. 

Unfortunately for the Nets, luck was not on their side and they ended up securing the 3rd spot in the Draft. While the result of the lottery is pretty disappointing for Nets fans, their virtual good luck charm was a hit. Look for some more related initiatives in the near future!

The Nets Put Their Injured Players to Work

Are you looking for new ways to stimulate fan excitement on gameday? Are you looking for new ways to leverage athletes to support the organization's objectives?

The New Jersey Nets recently announced that they will be putting all of their injured players to work prior to the team's game against the Boston Celtics at the IZOD Center. From 6:15-6:45pm, the team will ask each of their star players not dressed for the game to meet and greet fans in various locations within the arena. Fans dining and mulling throughout the restaurants, lounges, and other popular areas in the IZOD Center will find themselves face-to-face with the team's players - a memorable opportunity!

It is very interesting to see the New Jersey Nets continue to push the envelope with innovative marketing and sponsorship strategies. We will see how the players and fans respond to this newest initiative!

Source: NBA.com