NBA: Rise in a Parallel World

Mid-September – The NBA's Growing Empire

The NBA had started as a bold idea, but by mid-September, it had transformed into a corporate powerhouse.

In just a few months, global brands had lined up to partner with the league, pouring billions into sponsorship deals.

From sports apparel and beverages to airlines and technology giants, the NBA had become the most attractive investment in sports.

Major Sponsorship Deals Secured

Sports Equipment & Apparel

Nike – Official jersey manufacturer, responsible for on-court uniforms, warm-up suits, and fan merchandise.

Adidas & Reebok – Official sneaker partners.

Spalding – Exclusive NBA basketball provider.

Food & Beverages

Gatorade – Official sports drink of the NBA.

Pepsi – Exclusive food and beverage sponsor.

McDonald's – Official fast-food partner.

Anheuser-Busch – Official beer sponsor.

Nestlé – Official coffee sponsor.

Red Bull – Official energy drink sponsor.

Mengniu – Official milk sponsor.

Technology & Internet

YouTube TV – Official streaming partner.

America Online (AOL) – Official internet partner.

Transportation & Automotive

Southwest Airlines – Official airline partner.

Toyota – Official automotive partner.

Electronics & Communications

Siemens AG & RadioShack – Official electronics partners.

Hannspree – Official LCD TV partner.

Tissot – Official timekeeping partner.

Apple & Samsung – Official smartphone partners.

Dell – Official computer partner.

Other Key Partnerships

FedEx – Official logistics and express partner.

T-Mobile – Official mobile network provider.

EA Sports – Official video game partner.

New York Life – Official insurance provider.

Kohler – Official flooring partner.

Short-Term Deals – A Strategic Move

While most leagues signed multi-year sponsorship agreements, Nathan Cole made a bold decision—every NBA contract was only one year long.

At first, sponsors pushed for longer deals to secure lower prices.

But Nathan refused.

"The NBA is just getting started," he explained to his executives. "Once we establish our dominance, our brand value will skyrocket. Then, we dictate the terms."

His logic was simple—once the NBA proved itself in its first season, sponsors would have no choice but to pay more.

Nathan recalled that in his previous life, the NBA had signed a 9-year, $24 billion TV deal with TNT and ESPN.

That was the kind of money he was aiming for.

For now, patience was key.

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The NBA's Financial Strength Stuns the Business World

The sheer number of sponsorships stunned sports analysts, media executives, and rival leagues.

"How is a brand-new sports league attracting this level of investment?"

Skeptics assumed the NBA was over-promising or that companies were recklessly throwing money away.

But they were wrong.

Before signing contracts, every company conducted deep financial research on the NBA.

Their findings?

The NBA owned 29 high-tech arenas across the country, worth tens of billions.

Player salaries, team budgets, and logistics were fully funded.

The NBA's financial backing was rock-solid.

For sponsors, this wasn't a gamble—it was an opportunity.

And now, the business world was starting to take the NBA seriously.

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NBA Headquarters, New York – The Inner Circle Meeting

Nathan sat at the head of a massive conference table, surrounded by his top executives.

The NBA's high command had finally come together.

Nine departments were fully staffed and operational:

1. News & Broadcasting

2. Affairs Coordination

3. Personnel & Information

4. Legal & Compliance

5. Player Development & Planning

6. Special Projects

7. Editorial & Media

8. Administration & Logistics

9. Entertainment & Events

Each department was now run by experienced professionals, ensuring the NBA's smooth operation.

Vice President Louis Carter spoke first.

"Mr. Cole, we have now secured sponsorships with 42 major companies, bringing in a total of $3.6 billion in funding."

Nathan nodded. "That's a strong start. But this is just the beginning. Next year, those numbers will double."

The executives exchanged looks.

They had originally wondered why Nathan refused long-term contracts.

Now, it was clear—he believed in the NBA's explosive growth.

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Staffing & Global Expansion Plans

Administrative Director Giles Adams spoke next.

"Mr. Cole, the NBA headquarters now has 900 full-time employees. Each department is fully functional and ready for the new season."

Nathan nodded.

That number was already on par with the previous world's NBA.

"Good work, Giles. But this is just the first phase.

Next, I want you to expand the NBA globally. We need to establish:

NBA Europe

NBA Asia

NBA Australia

NBA Africa

Our goal is to make the NBA the first true global basketball league."

Giles nodded, immediately taking notes.

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NBA TV – The League's Own Broadcasting Network

Entertainment Director Gerald Hui gave his report.

"Mr. Cole, NBA TV is fully operational. We are ready to handle live game broadcasts, in-depth analysis, and original programming."

Nathan smiled. In the future, NBA TV would become a billion-dollar brand.

For now, it would lay the foundation for exclusive content.

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Legal & Compliance – A League Free from Government Control

Legal Director George Winters gave his update.

*"Mr. Cole, the NBA's legal structure is now airtight.

The league is fully independent.

There are no legal loopholes that could be exploited.

The NBA operates as a privately managed business, meaning the government has no authority over its operations."*

Nathan nodded. "Excellent. I don't want any interference. The NBA is ours to control."

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Preseason & International Games

Affairs Director Eddie Clarke delivered the final report.

*"Mr. Cole, preseason schedules have been finalized.

Every team will play 8 warm-up games to build chemistry before the regular season.

The Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics will play two exhibition games in China.

Game 1: October 15 in Beijing.

Game 2: October 18 in Shanghai.

Tickets have already sold out."*

Nathan grinned.

The NBA was officially expanding beyond the U.S.

"Good work. I'll personally attend the China games to finalize international broadcasting partnerships."

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The NBA's First Press Conference – A Global Announcement

The final agenda item was delivered by News Director Caroline Reeves.

*"Mr. Cole, tomorrow is the NBA's first official press conference.

Dozens of reporters from major news outlets will be covering the event."*

Nathan leaned back in his chair.

This was it.

The moment the NBA introduced itself to the world.

For months, the NBA had been a mystery, whispered about in business circles and debated by basketball fans.

Tomorrow, that would all change.

The NBA was ready to step into the spotlight.

The world was watching.

And history was about to be made.