Amex Expands NBA, WNBA Payments Partnership
American Express deepens its multiyear partnership with the NBA and WNBA, adding new global games, basketball houses and USA Basketball ties.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Basketball
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American Express has expanded its global partnership with the NBA and WNBA, becoming the Official Payments Partner of both leagues under a multiyear agreement that also covers the NBA G League and NBA Take-Two Media. The company has also begun a new partnership with USA Basketball.
Why it matters
The expanded deal extends American Express's presence across NBA and WNBA fan experiences, from global games to ticketing access for Card Members. It also ties the brand to USA Basketball's national teams and showcase events.
The partnership covers three upcoming NBA global games, all of which have sold out this season, with the Mexico City game scheduled for Nov. 7, 2026. Financial terms of the multiyear agreement were not disclosed.
The players
American Express
American Express is a global payments and financial services company known for its charge and credit cards, and its sponsorship of major sports properties.
NBA
The National Basketball Association is the premier professional men's basketball league in the United States and Canada, with franchises worldwide.
WNBA
The Women's National Basketball Association is the top professional women's basketball league in the United States.
USA Basketball
USA Basketball is the national governing body for basketball in the United States, overseeing the country's national teams.
The details
American Express is the Official Payments Partner of the NBA and WNBA and serves as Presenting Partner of select NBA Houses and Associate Partner of select NBA Global Games. Card Members can purchase presale tickets to the USA Basketball Showcase and access select WNBA events, including the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game.
Timeline
Nov. 7, 2026: NBA Mexico City Game 2026, Nuggets vs. Pacers, presented by Michelob Ultra.
Jan. 14, 2027: NBA Paris Game 2027, presented by Tissot.
Jan. 17, 2027: NBA Manchester Game 2027, Pelicans vs. Spurs.
Market Landscape
The deal extends a model in which a single financial brand becomes the official payments partner across an entire league rather than individual teams. It widens American Express's footprint across the NBA's development league, global game circuit and USA Basketball's national programs.
Fans attending the upcoming global games will see American Express sponsorship at the events, and Card Members gain access to presale tickets for the USA Basketball Showcase. Card Members can also purchase tickets to select WNBA events, including the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game.
The takeaway
Card Members who want early access to basketball events should check their American Express benefits for presale ticket offers before general sales open. Sponsorship deals like this one often shape which events receive the most promotion, so following league announcements can help identify upcoming opportunities.
What happens next
The NBA Mexico City Game 2026 is scheduled for Nov. 7, 2026, followed by the NBA Paris Game 2027 on Jan. 14, 2027 and the NBA Manchester Game 2027 on Jan. 17, 2027.
Further reading
For more on the league landscape, see Basketball coverage across United States Basketball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Financial IT.
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