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ATLANTA — An early stage basketball league with the goal of giving high school players an option other than college path has added Gatorade as its premier brand sponsor.
Overtime Elite (OTE) announced the multi-year agreement to The Associated Press on Monday. The conditions have not been published.
OTE is set to kick off its inaugural season in Atlanta on October 29 with a full roster of games scheduled to showcase the talents of 27 players spread across three teams. The new professional league is marketed to high school students and guarantees academic training as well as a six-figure salary.
“We’re doing something big and bold – building a league with an unprecedented holistic approach on an accelerated timeline – and Gatorade has aligned with us on our mission,†said Aaron Ryan, Commissioner and President of TAKES AWAY. “Having Gatorade on board with us at ground level allows us to educate and prepare our young athletes early on on their journey to become pros.”
The games will take place at OTE’s newly completed 103,000 square foot complex in Atlanta. Gatorade will be very present in the complex.
“Overtime Elite represents a unique connectivity with our audience, which allows us to engage directly with athletes during and beyond the sweaty moment,†said Jeff Kearney, global sports marketing manager at Gatorade.
OTE was launched through sports media company Overtime. The league has big plans to break into the competitive hoops market by recruiting 16-18 year olds. Players will receive a minimum wage of at least $ 100,000 per year, along with signing bonuses and company shares.
The league also offers health and disability insurance, in addition to tuition, if players wish to go to school (not to play, however, as their college eligibility would be lost).
Among the players to sign with the league is Jean Montero, a goalkeeper from the Dominican Republic who could be in the top 15 in the National Basketball Association draft next year.
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