How it Works
Application
Application
The 2026 application is open from September 15th to October 17th, 2025
The 2026 application is open from September 15th to October 17th, 2025
The Game
Future of
Officiating
Future of Youth Basketball
Future of Player Health & Wellbeing
The Business
Future of
Media
Future of Fan Connection
Selection Process
Selection Process
Several companies from each priority are chosen to present their product or service to a panel of league and team experts. Each company is then evaluated based on strength of team, value of the product for the priority area, and willingness to co-create with the NBA. Judges then select one company from each priority area to participate in the program.
Several companies from each priority are chosen to present their product or service to a panel of league and team experts. Each company is then evaluated based on strength of team, value of the product for the priority area, and willingness to co-create with the NBA. Judges then select one company from each priority area to participate in the program.
R&D Project
R&D Project
The winning companies will participate in a unique six-month R&D project within the NBA’s ecosystem properties. In addition to the product development focus, the NBA pilot provides mentorship from key NBA personnel and exposure to contacts across the industry.
The winning companies will participate in a unique six-month R&D project within the NBA’s ecosystem properties. In addition to the product development focus, the NBA pilot provides mentorship from key NBA personnel and exposure to contacts across the industry.
Launchpad Demo Day
Launchpad Demo Day
As a finale to the 2026 Launchpad program, the selected portfolio companies will present the results of their six-month R&D projects to NBA executives, strategic partners, and investors during NBA Summer League.
As a finale to the 2026 Launchpad program, the selected portfolio companies will present the results of their six-month R&D projects to NBA executives, strategic partners, and investors during NBA Summer League.
Partnership Evaluation
Partnership Evaluation
The league will use the results of the R&D projects to evaluate the possibility of a broader strategic partnership with each company.
The league will use the results of the R&D projects to evaluate the possibility of a broader strategic partnership with each company.
Timeline
Timeline
SEP 15th
Application Opens
oct 17th
Application Closes
Nov
Finalists Selected
Nov-Dec
Finalists Presentations
Jan
R&D Projects Begin
JUL
Demo Day
Contact Us
If you have any questions about the application, selection day or the NBA pilot, please email launchpad@nba.com.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about the application, selection day or the NBA pilot, please email launchpad@nba.com.