Emirates, the Official Global Airline Partner of the NBA and inaugural title partner of the Emirates NBA Cup, has launched a custom nose-to-tail livery on its A380 aircraft in celebration of the 2024-25 NBA season. This newly designed livery is set to make its way across the airline’s global network, with flights starting next week.
The fresh livery features a blue gradient across the fuselage with the NBA logo and red Emirates lettering replacing the usual gold. The aircraft’s engines have also been painted in red, showcasing the signature white Emirates calligraphy. This design overhaul was completed by Emirates’ in-house engineering team and took 24 days to execute, including the full repaint, stripping, and graphics application.
NBA-Themed In-Flight Experience
From November 1 to December 17, Emirates will offer passengers on 14 routes to and from the U.S. and Canada a unique NBA-inspired experience. In every cabin, customers will see co-branded headrests, receive drinks on custom-designed coasters, and enjoy basketball-themed menus. Passengers in all classes, including those in the A380’s Onboard Lounge, will be served sports-themed dishes and drinks. Select Emirates NBA Cup games will be available to watch live on the airline’s Sport24 channel via the ICE inflight entertainment system.
Additionally, passengers can enjoy limited-time NBA-themed menus at Emirates lounges in Dubai, New York JFK, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Boston.
Emirates NBA Cup Schedule
The 2024 Emirates NBA Cup begins on November 12 with a doubleheader on TNT. The New York Knicks will face the Philadelphia 76ers at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by the Golden State Warriors against the Dallas Mavericks at 10:00 p.m. ET. Group play will run through December 3, with each team playing four games during “Cup Nights.”
Eight teams will advance to the Knockout Rounds, with single-elimination Quarterfinals on December 10 and 11. The Semifinals will be held on December 14, and the Championship game is set for December 17 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The launch of Emirates’ custom NBA-themed livery on its Airbus A380 is an exciting celebration of the airline’s partnership with the NBA and the inaugural Emirates NBA Cup. The eye-catching blue gradient livery, along with the bold NBA logo and red Emirates lettering, symbolizes the global reach of both the airline and the sport, reflecting their shared passion for connecting people around the world.
In addition to the stunning exterior, Emirates is taking the NBA celebration to the skies with an immersive, basketball-themed in-flight experience. Starting November 1, passengers traveling on 14 selected routes between the U.S., Canada, and Dubai will enjoy special NBA-inspired amenities and dining options. From co-branded headrests to basketball-themed menus, Emirates is bringing the spirit of the NBA directly to its passengers. The A380’s luxurious Onboard Lounge will also feature sports-themed dishes and drinks, allowing basketball fans to indulge in the game day atmosphere while cruising at 40,000 feet.
One of the most exciting perks of this collaboration is the ability to watch live NBA Cup games while in the air. Thanks to Emirates’ ICE inflight entertainment system and the Sport24 channel, passengers won’t miss a moment of the action as they travel between continents. With Emirates making this basketball celebration global, even those flying across oceans can stay connected to their favorite teams and games in real time.
In addition to in-flight offerings, passengers at Emirates lounges in key cities like Dubai, New York JFK, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Boston will have the chance to enjoy limited-time NBA-themed menus. These lounges will add to the excitement of the NBA Cup experience, creating a basketball-themed environment before passengers even board their flights.
As for the Emirates NBA Cup itself, the 2024 tournament is set to kick off on November 12 with high-energy matchups that will thrill basketball fans around the world. Featuring a doubleheader on TNT, the New York Knicks will take on the Philadelphia 76ers, followed by the Golden State Warriors going head-to-head with the Dallas Mavericks. With four games scheduled for each team during “Cup Nights,” group play will continue through December 3. The intensity will rise as the top eight teams advance to the Knockout Rounds, with single-elimination Quarterfinals on December 10 and 11, followed by the Semifinals on December 14. The Championship game will be held at the iconic T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on December 17, marking the culmination of the tournament and what promises to be an unforgettable season of basketball.
Emirates’ collaboration with the NBA demonstrates how sports can transcend borders, uniting fans and travelers from all walks of life. Whether fans are tuning in from 40,000 feet or catching the game courtside, the Emirates NBA Cup is set to be a thrilling event that brings basketball excitement to a global audience.
