Kendall-Jackson Continues its Investment in the NBA with Marc J. Spears Partnership

Last updated on May 31st, 2026

At first glance, wine and basketball may seem like they don’t go together. You aren’t seeing celebrities court sight sipping a Cabernet Sauvignon as much as beer and popcorn. But the connection is clear for those in both industries. Basketball and wine are about community, shared experiences, and a celebration of excellence. 

In June, Kendall Jackson named Basketball Hall of Fame writer Marc J. Spears as a wine ambassador. This unique collaboration aims to highlight the intersection of basketball culture, premium wine experiences, and the promotion of Black excellence.

Spears is a renowned sports journalist, known for his ability to merge sports and culture seamlessly into his writing. He began his career in 1995 and began covering the NBA in 1999. He was inducted in the NBA Hall of Fame in 2023, after winning the Curt Gowdy Award for Print Journalism. As a Bay Area native, he is also a wine aficionado, with constant visits to Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles and Oregon. Now, as a wine ambassador, Spears acknowledges the evolution happening in the league for people like him. 

“Twenty years ago, these players weren’t drinking wine as openly as they are now. Today, Stephen Curry, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, CJ McCollum, Kevin Love, James Harden, Channing Frye and Josh Hart are current and former NBA players who have their own wine,” says Spears. “NBA players are also competitive and through wine they have found a way to continue that competitive spirit by seeing who can bring the most extraordinary bottle to a dinner party.”

About Kendall Jackson

Kendall Jackson is a family-owned winery based in Sonoma County, California. It’s first plantings were in 1974 and it was established as a winery in 1982. They are heavily focused on sustainability, with 100% of their wineries certified by the CCSW (Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing). They are most known for their Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay, but also boast classic California varieties like Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Their estate is a sought after venue, including incredible culinary opportunities provided by Executive Chef Tracey Shepos Cenami. 

Kendall-Jackson has long been known for its dedication to quality and accessibility. By partnering with Spears, the winery hopes to introduce their premium wines to basketball fans and diverse communities worldwide. This collaboration is more than a marketing strategy; it’s a cultural exchange that celebrates diversity and inclusivity.

About the Partnership

In April, Kendall-Jackson and the NBA launched a multi-year partnership that includes the winery partnering with the WNBA and team USA. As part of that partnership, Kendall-Jackson and La Crema became the official wine for both leagues. At marquee events and experiences, the wines will be the primary wines. The brand will have a presence at the NBA All-Star weekend, the NBA’s 2K league championship and the immersive NBA Con fan experience. 

As the NBA Partnership Ambassador, Spears will be instrumental in bringing in players for these experiences. As a multidecade NBA veteran, his relationships with players will elevate these experiences and appeal to fans in an exciting way. These initiatives attract a broader audience and enhance fan engagement through shared passions.

A Celebration of Excellence

The collaboration between Marc J. Spears and Kendall-Jackson is a celebration of excellence in both basketball and winemaking. It underscores the importance of diversity, community, and shared experiences. As they move forward, Spears and Kendall-Jackson invite fans, wine enthusiasts, and advocates for Black entrepreneurship to join them on this exciting journey. Together, they are not just making a statement; they are creating a movement.

As Marc J. Spears embarks on this new journey with Kendall-Jackson, the potential for innovation and inspiration is limitless. This partnership represents a fusion of passions and a commitment to making a difference. By leveraging Spears’ influence and Kendall-Jackson’s legacy, they can create lasting impact and set a new standard for collaborations in the wine and sports industries.

As you watch the remaining NBA games this season, consider Kendall-Jackson or wines from these athletes as part of your evening. 

You can learn more about Kendall-Jackson’s NBA partnership at www.kj.com/NBA and follow Kendall-Jackson on all social platforms @KJWines and Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears.