Ranking the 10 Best Commercials in NBA History

May. 24, 2023

What do you need to make an ad really interesting? People live by emotions, so it should encourage us to live the emotions that were put into the ad. We can't help but agree that it's extremely rare to see something that really makes us feel something other than the desire to turn off this outrage as soon as possible. 

We have compiled for you a list of some of the brightest advertising projects in NBA history.

• 10th Place Goes to Nike: Kobe Bryant - Black Mamba

In order to promote its new line of shoes, Nike has done a great job and created content that is really hard to refuse. Kobe Bryant played the role of "Black Mamba," who confronts thieves intent on stealing and taking possession of his exclusive sneakers.

The action, the incredible and agile Kobe, the graceful basketball... can you imagine how the basketball betting odds went up? Kanye West and Bruce Willis also took part in the shooting. What else do you need? Yes, the guys from Nike know how to do a show. 

• 9th Place Goes to NBA: Where Amazing Happens

This series of commercials, titled "Where Amazing Things Happen," presents us with a collage of iconic NBA events. A number of commercials have been supplemented with banner, print and outdoor ads, as well as aired on NBA.com and other online video sites. Also, the idea of combining slow motion, piano music, and poignant phrases is one of the most successful ideas in the advertising story.

• 8th Place Goes to: Marvin Gaye and the US Basketball Team

This blurb-clip presents the US basketball team Redeem Team, which is preparing for the Olympic Games to the sound of "The Star Spangled Banneк" by Marvin Gaye

You'll agree that this is one of the few projects that raises the topic of patriotism and evokes a real sense of it.

• 7th Place Goes to Nike: Lil Penny

Lil Penny is a tiny figure voiced by Chris Rock. Honorably ranks as the funniest commercial on this list. 

The plot unfolds around an injured Lil Penny throwing profanity at the players on the court, and what happened next is the most laugh-out-loud tearing part, which made this one of the best commercials ever.

• 6th Place Goes to NBA: The Playoffs

A cherished victory is every NBA player's aspiration

In the reclame video presented, we get to watch one of the league's best players talk about the legends' greatest victories. We can also trace how much respect the players are treated and how important it is to them.  Let's face it, everyone wants to lift the veil sometimes and let people who occupy a huge place in this world just be people.

• 5th Place Goes to Nike: "Let Your Game Speak"

A commercial with no words? It certainly does! Even though the commercial doesn't say a word, it still sends an incredible message to the audience. 

Young sportsmen are trying to replicate the very same moves that made Jordan famous. The idea is to show the mark and influence that famous people leave behind them.

At the end of the video, we are shown Michael Jordan watching his little fans. He smiles as the child imitates his idol.

• 4th Place Goes to Nike: Freestyle

Yes, it's Nike again. There is no longer any doubt about their professionalism.

Talented freestylers who show us how they can rock out. They created a song to the sound of bouncing basketballs and the constant squeaking of shoes! 

This commercial has been parodied many times, the most famous parody was featured in the movie "Scary Movie".

• The Second Place Goes to McDonald's: "The Showdown"

A reel ad featuring two legends, Michael Jordan and Larry Bird. 

The two great players compete for a McDonald's meal, each challenge from the other becoming more and more difficult. The result is the greatest HORSE game ever played. The stunts that Michael and Larry performed could be watched forever.

• Justified First Place Goes to Air Jordan: Michael Jordan, Failure

"In my life I have failed over and over and over again. And that's why I succeed." - Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan shows us that failure is the path to success, with each failure you get closer to your goal. He always said that's what got him where he is today. It's one of the best commercials that goes far beyond basketball.

In Conclusion 

As you may have noticed, advertising is not just something that gets boring and interrupts your favorite movie. It is truly a wellspring of knowledge and things you might never have understood, a source of all kinds of inspiration. It's great to live in a world where there are people who create such content.