Development deal with THINK450, the content and partnership arm of the National Basketball Players Association, includes the CG animated live-action hybrid series, ‘King of the Court.’
9 Story Media Group has teamed up with THINK450, the content and partnership arm of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), to bring NBA players into the kids and family entertainment space. The deal includes King of the Court, a CG animated and live-action hybrid series created by 9 Story’s Angela C. Santomero. The series is co-created by Alyson Piekarsky (Blue’s Clues & You) and Halcyon Person.
“We are thrilled that we have the opportunity to partner with THINK450 on these upcoming properties,” commented Santomero, chief creative officer for 9 Story. “Basketball is a metaphor for life! We have an aligned mission with THINK450 to create a series that empowers kids to learn about themselves through sportsmanship and love of the game. The opportunity to work with NBA players to share their truth will further engage kids to learn from and with their heroes.”
“Our players connect with audiences of all ages all over the world, and so many of them are parents too,” noted THINK450 head of content Christina Norman. “We’re excited about this opportunity to co-create with 9 Story and present players with the opportunity to tell stories that will resonate with kids and families.”
The partnership was brokered by Keith Dawkins’ Rock Hill Media Ventures with 9 Story’s president and CEO Vince Commisso and follows the recent announcement of Rock Hill’s partnership with THINK450, providing them unique access to the league’s 450 athletes represented by the union.
“My relationship with the leadership at 9 Story goes back to my days at Nickelodeon,” added Dawkins. “Forging this deal was important as we continue to seek best in class partners as part of my relationship with the NBPA. As one of those partners, 9 Story gets us closer to realizing our goals of creating diverse, impactful, and lasting stories by, and inclusive of, NBA athletes.”
Source: 9 Story Media Group
