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Grand Rapids Gold Announces Exclusive Partnership with Founders Brewing Company

By Grand Rapids Gold Staff /August 6, 2021

Partnership includes sale of Grand Rapids-based brewery’s craft beer at all Gold home games

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Gold announced today an exclusive partnership with Founders Brewing Co. for the 2021-22 NBA G League season. The partnership includes the sale of the Grand Rapids-based brewery’s craft beers at multiple locations within the DeltaPlex during all regular season home games. Founders Brewing Co. will also host an in-game promotion that features Gold fans as participants.

“We are excited to work with the newly branded Grand Rapids Gold both in their efforts on the court and also as stewards for local non-profits in the area,” said Chad Atherton, Director of Market Development for Founders Brewing Co. “Founders is always looking for ways to connect with the community and this partnership feels like a natural fit as Grand Rapids is touted as one of the best minor league sports markets in America and also holds the title of ‘Beer City USA.’”

“Our team is thrilled to welcome Founders Brewing Co. as an Official Sponsor of the Grand Rapids Gold,” shared Steve Jbara, president of the Grand Rapids Gold. “Founders has undoubtedly elevated craft beer within Grand Rapids, and we’re grateful they’ve chosen to help elevate basketball too. We value their commitment to our community and to our team.”

The Grand Rapids Gold have been a pivotal NBA G League franchise since their founding in 2006. The team moved to Grand Rapids in 2014 after being purchased by SSJ Group, a market touted as the best in America for minor league sports by Sports Business Journal. The Gold have ranked in the top 5 in NBA G League attendance, drawing more than 3,000 fans per game. This will be the organization’s seventh season in Grand Rapids, playing at the DeltaPlex Arena.

For media-related inquires and interview requests, contact Rob Johnson at rjohnson@nbagrandrapids.com or 616-216-4600. For more information on the Grand Rapids Gold, visit www.nbagrandrapids.com

About the Grand Rapids Gold
The Grand Rapids Gold are a member of the NBA G League and affiliated with the Denver Nuggets. The organization is committed to providing an elite level of basketball to the West Michigan community, while also investing in and contributing to the West Michigan community. The team is owned by SSJ Group LLC. For more information about the organization, visit www.nbagrandrapids.com and follow the team on its social media channels.

About the NBA G League
The NBA’s official minor league, the NBA G League prepares players, coaches, officials, trainers and front-office staff for the NBA while acting as the league’s research and development laboratory. Featuring a total of 29 teams with 28 teams having direct affiliations with NBA franchises ahead of the 2020-21 season, the league offers elite professional basketball at an affordable price in a fun, family friendly atmosphere. A record 45% of all NBA players at the start of the 2020-21 season boasted NBA G League experience. In fostering the league’s connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA Cares programs.

About Founders Brewing Co.
Established in 1997 by two craft beer enthusiasts—Dave Engbers and Mike Stevens—with day jobs and a dream, Founders Brewing Co. brews complex, in-your-face ales, with huge aromatics and tons of flavor. Founders ranks among the top 10 largest craft breweries in the U.S. and is one of the fastest growing. The brewery has received numerous awards from the World Beer Cup and the Great American Beer Festival, and RateBeer and BeerAdvocate users often rate its beers among the best in the world. For more information, visit foundersbrewing.com or follow Founders on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.