9 Story Media Group announced that it has entered into a development deal with THINK450, the content and partnership arm of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), bringing NBA players into the kids and family entertainment space.
The partnership includes two new basketball themed series for kids: King of the Court, a CG-animated and live-action hybrid series created by 9 Story’s Angela C. Santomero, and co-created by Alyson Piekarsky (Blue’s Clues & You) and Halcyon Person, and Streetball, a live-action series aimed at kids ages six to 11, created by Halcyon Person (Karma’s World, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee).
“We are thrilled that we have the opportunity to partner with THINK450 on these upcoming properties,” said 9 Story CCO Angela Santomero. “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,” said 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.”
This 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 the unique access to all 450 athletes represented by the union in engaging with kids in a completely new way.
“My relationship with the leadership at 9 Story goes back to my days at Nickelodeon,” said 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.”
9 Story is a leading creator, producer and distributor of kids and family focused intellectual property. THINK450 is the for-profit subsidiary of the NBPA, focusing on innovative business opportunities in various industries including, content & media, grassroots events, licensing, marketing and technology. Rock Hill Media Ventures is a New York-based media company founded by award-winning media executive Keith Dawkins. It incubates, curates and cultivates ideas for mass consumption.