Financial and Business News

STARTRADER Lands NBA Partnership as Financial Firms Compete for Basketball Exposure

Thursday, 08/01/2026 | 07:41 GMT by Damian Chmiel
  • The Dubai-based broker joins league's roster of official partners, including Robinhood and TMGM.
  • The new deal includes arena signage, broadcast placements, and social impact programs through the 2025-26 season.
startrader
From left: David Watts, the NBA's head of Middle East and Peter Karsten, CEO of STARTRADER

STARTRADER has secured a partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA), adding the retail trading broker to the league's expanding list of official partners as the NBA begins its 80th season.

The agreement puts STARTRADER branding in NBA arenas, on broadcast-visible placements, and across select league media platforms. The Dubai-based firm will also participate in joint social impact initiatives with the league.

"This collaboration reflects the direction STARTRADER is taking as a global brand," said Peter Karsten, CEO of STARTRADER. "Aligning with the NBA reinforces the trust placed in our brand and supports our vision of operating on an international stage alongside institutions that share a commitment to long-term growth."

It is worth noting, however, that STARTRADER enters a crowded field of financial companies seeking NBA exposure.

Financial Sector Targets Basketball Audience

Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase secured a sponsorship with the Los Angeles Clippers in November 2024, putting its branding on the team's Intuit Dome through in-arena signage. Trading platform Robinhood inked a jersey sponsorship with the Memphis Grizzlies in September 2024, featuring its brand across baseline court ads and broadcasts.

More recently, proprietary trading firm Hola Prime tapped five-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns as its first sports ambassador in May 2025.

Broker TMGM announced a multi-year partnership with the Brooklyn Nets in July 2025, securing courtside and digital signage at Barclays Center for the current season.

The NBA ended the 2024-25 season with 51 marketing partners, including seven new deals.

You may also like: “Official Fintech Partner”: FX Firms Found Value in Sports Beyond Just Branding

Middle East Push Continues

David Watts, the NBA's head of Middle East strategy and development, described the region as a priority for the league.

"We look forward to working closely with STARTRADER as we continue to grow basketball and the NBA's presence across the Middle East," Watts said. "The region is a key priority for the league, and this cooperation reflects our ambition to work with brands that share our commitment to engaging fans using the latest technological innovations."

This trend is also evident in the brokerage industry. At the beginning of last year, STARTREADER joined a growing group of brokers focusing on the Middle East and the UAE. The region provides companies in the CFD and retail trading sector with higher volumes compared with other parts of the world.

The company unveiled a refreshed brand identity at the start of 2026 under the positioning "Built on Trust, Driven by Growth".

STARTRADER has secured a partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA), adding the retail trading broker to the league's expanding list of official partners as the NBA begins its 80th season.

The agreement puts STARTRADER branding in NBA arenas, on broadcast-visible placements, and across select league media platforms. The Dubai-based firm will also participate in joint social impact initiatives with the league.

"This collaboration reflects the direction STARTRADER is taking as a global brand," said Peter Karsten, CEO of STARTRADER. "Aligning with the NBA reinforces the trust placed in our brand and supports our vision of operating on an international stage alongside institutions that share a commitment to long-term growth."

It is worth noting, however, that STARTRADER enters a crowded field of financial companies seeking NBA exposure.

Financial Sector Targets Basketball Audience

Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase secured a sponsorship with the Los Angeles Clippers in November 2024, putting its branding on the team's Intuit Dome through in-arena signage. Trading platform Robinhood inked a jersey sponsorship with the Memphis Grizzlies in September 2024, featuring its brand across baseline court ads and broadcasts.

More recently, proprietary trading firm Hola Prime tapped five-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns as its first sports ambassador in May 2025.

Broker TMGM announced a multi-year partnership with the Brooklyn Nets in July 2025, securing courtside and digital signage at Barclays Center for the current season.

The NBA ended the 2024-25 season with 51 marketing partners, including seven new deals.

You may also like: “Official Fintech Partner”: FX Firms Found Value in Sports Beyond Just Branding

Middle East Push Continues

David Watts, the NBA's head of Middle East strategy and development, described the region as a priority for the league.

"We look forward to working closely with STARTRADER as we continue to grow basketball and the NBA's presence across the Middle East," Watts said. "The region is a key priority for the league, and this cooperation reflects our ambition to work with brands that share our commitment to engaging fans using the latest technological innovations."

This trend is also evident in the brokerage industry. At the beginning of last year, STARTREADER joined a growing group of brokers focusing on the Middle East and the UAE. The region provides companies in the CFD and retail trading sector with higher volumes compared with other parts of the world.

The company unveiled a refreshed brand identity at the start of 2026 under the positioning "Built on Trust, Driven by Growth".

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About the Author: Damian Chmiel
Damian Chmiel
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Damian's adventure with financial markets began at the Cracow University of Economics, where he obtained his MA in finance and accounting. Starting from the retail trader perspective, he collaborated with brokerage houses and financial portals in Poland as an independent editor and content manager. His adventure with Finance Magnates began in 2016, where he is working as a business intelligence analyst.

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