NBA Finals 2024: Dwyane Wade, Queen Latifah lead star-studded ad with surprise WNBA rookies

[Serendipia]

 

The NBA Finals are upon us, and the hype is at a fever pitch. The league has unveiled a star-studded ad campaign dubbed  'The Toast,' a grand celebration of the season culminating in the highly anticipated championship series.

 

 

This campaign takes the form of a glamorous speakeasy hosted by none other than Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade and Queen Latifah. The guest list boasts a who's who of basketball royalty and celebrities, including Magic Johnson, Jimmy Kimmel, Ken Jeong, and the unexpected—WNBA rookies Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso.

While WNBA rookie Kamilla Cardoso recovers from a shoulder injury, Angel Reese, her Chicago Sky teammate, has already made a splash in her first two games. Despite not having shared the court in a Chicago Sky game yet, they've teamed up for the NBA Finals ad, playfully jabbing at established NBA veterans missing championship rings. Talk about an impactful entrance before they've even suited up together!

This marketing strategy goes beyond cheeky banter. WNBA rookies Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso, fresh off back-to-back NCAA championships, are more than playful additions to the NBA Finals ad. Their inclusion is a strategic power move for the WNBA. By featuring these rising stars, the campaign bridges the gap between the leagues, showcasing their talent and igniting excitement for the future of women's basketball.

 

However, a subtle twist adds a layer of intrigue. Reese and Cardoso's championship victories come at the expense of collegiate standout Caitlin Clark, who lost to them both in the finals. Her absence from the ad has some fans interpreting it as a metaphor for her career—filled with close calls but no championship hardware. Is this a playful jab or an unnecessary dig?

 

Ultimately, this ad campaign signifies a broader movement. It represents a significant step towards fostering connections between the WNBA and NBA, highlighting the growing recognition and integration of the WNBA within mainstream basketball culture.

 

Do you love the ad? Now, with this momentum building, who are you hoping to see battle it out in the NBA Finals?

 

• https://www.adweek.com/creativity/basketball-royalty-toasts-the-nba-finals-in-stylized-new-ad/
• https://www.themirror.com/sport/basketball/angel-reese-kamilla-cardoso-crown-495875 
• https://www.marca.com/en/basketball/wnba/chicago-sky/2024/05/19/664a46de268e3e262a8b4570.html
• https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/nba-the-toast-nba-finals-ad-campaign-dwyane-wade-jimmy-kimmel-1235903672/

 

Image: Oasisamuel | Dreamstime.com