Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. announced a multi-year marketing partnership with MSC Cruises naming the brand the official cruise line partner of the New York Knicks, according to a press release.
“MSC Cruises is one of the world’s top-rated contemporary cruise lines with a long history of putting their customers first, a value that MSG Sports lives by every day, making them a fantastic addition to our illustrious group of marketing partners,” said David Hopkinson, president and COO, Madison Square Garden Sports Corp.
“This partnership will also make MSC Cruises our first-ever global rights marketing partner. MSC Cruises will be involved within the Knicks organization across digital channels and fan activations and will provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences for our incredible Jr. Knicks program.”
Through this partnership, MSC Cruises will receive brand promotion during all Knicks games at The Garden. MSC Cruises will also serve as the Presenting Partner of the Knicks’ in-game T-Shirt Toss.
“Our partnership with MSG and the New York Knicks is symbolic of our overall commitment to New York City with the upcoming launch of year-round cruises from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal onboard MSC Meraviglia,” said Rubén A. Rodríguez, president of MSC Cruises USA.
“At MSC Cruises, we’re focused on improving the communities we serve by supporting families and furthering sustainability efforts. MSG and the Knicks share those priorities, and we’re thrilled to be combining our efforts right here in New York City, as well as throughout the more than 40 countries that make up our global itineraries.”
The Knicks and MSC Cruises will work together on a sustainability initiative that will provide a donation to an Ocean Conservation Cause for every three-pointer made by the Knicks this season.
Additionally, the Knicks will host a Jr. Knicks clinic at the basketball court aboard the MSC Meraviglia during her inaugural call at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. Participants in the clinic will take part in basketball drills, meet with Knicks alumni and receive branded giveaways from the Knicks and MSC Cruises.
On top of this partnership, MSC Cruises will also be the Official Cruise Line Partner for the Westchester Knicks and Knicks Gaming, which includes LED signage for all Westchester Knicks home games and virtual on-court signage for all Knicks Gaming home games. The cruise brand will be displayed on the digital boards outside of Madison Square Garden.
