D-Fenders to wear first jersey advertisement

The D-Fenders announced a jersey sponsorship on Friday with MGM Resorts International.

The NBA has long considered adding advertisements to jerseys. The D-League is often used as a proof of concept for the NBA.

The Lakers’ D-League affiliate will wear the MGM Resorts International Logo on the front of the team’s jerseys this season.

“The D-Fenders new jersey sponsorship is a progressive and exciting addition to the already renowned partnership between the Lakers organization and MGM Resorts,” said D-Fenders President and chief executive Joey Buss. “We are looking forward to having a strong finish to our season and highlighting MGM Resorts in the process.”

MGM Resorts has had a long partnership with the Lakers, hosting a preseason game in Las Vegas annually and sponsoring the “Big Shot Jackpot” throughout the season.

“We are incredibly excited to partner with the D-Fenders and to have this level of presence throughout their season,” said VP of Brand Strategy and Advertising, Scott Voeller. “Our partnership with the Los Angeles Lakers organization is a program we greatly value, and we hope we will continue to find new and exciting ways to grow our relationship.”

While the NBA isn’t ready yet for advertisements on jerseys, the D-Fenders might be providing a glimpse of what the future holds in the big league.

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Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.