It was your typical NBA panel.
Commissioner Adam Silver, WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu and … Ellie the elephant.
NOT ELLIE CRASHING A PANEL WITH THE NBA COMMISSIONER ON IT 😂😂💀💀 @BigEllieLiberty pic.twitter.com/fjmRDnv1k4
— Aliyah Funschelle (@AliyahFun) October 21, 2024
The mascot of the newly-crowned WNBA champion New York Liberty put on quite a performance, as well. This was not just a cameo, as a dance routine followed. The crowd loved it and Ionescu appeared to enjoy it as well.
This was part of a panel that also had Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nike, Inc. CEO Elliott Hill.
There’s a lot going on in the Nike world lately. Hill was just promoted to the position after spending 33 years with the company. His message is to put the athlete first. Giannis and Ionescu are perfect for that.
That’s on top of the NBA and WNBA who just announced a 12-year contract extension with Nike. This means uniforms, merchandise and marketing for both leagues until 2037.
“Nike is inextricably linked to basketball and has helped fuel the growth and innovation around our sport for decades,” Silver said recently in a statement.
Adam Silver on the Nike extension through 2037 https://t.co/TTuzby6HrY pic.twitter.com/TITgVVTOfw
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) October 21, 2024
The Nike Sabrina 2 debuted recently during the WNBA Finals and are not available for purchase in adult and kid sizes. Her second signature shoe launched earlier this summer.
As far as Ellie goes, well — just look at her.
The New York Liberty mascot continues to make an entrance bringing her authenticity and plenty of style.
“Just like our talented players, I practice every day and I am passionate about putting my best and most authentic self forward at every Liberty game,” she said in an interview with Vogue.