Victor Oladipo has something to prove. After a full round of sixes and a lone seven score in the 2018 NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest, he prepares for his final dunk of the night. Oladipo tosses the ball a couple of times against the backboard, and heads over to the crowd where he’s met by Chadwick Boseman sitting courtside. Gifted a Black Panther mask, he faces Boseman, thanks him with his hands across his chest – a symbol now known by millions around the world as the signature of the superhero.
Fast forward four years later and the league is celebrating Black Panther in a new way – a collaboration with Marvel Studios in preparation for its newest release, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” hitting theaters worldwide on Nov. 11. Now, instead of just Oladipo, a star-studded lineup of players across the league unite in the very first sneak peek of NBA Forever found on ESPN and both NBA and Marvel social and digital platforms.
But the video isn’t the only thing sparking excitement for the film. Starting Oct. 21, the NBA is bringing Wakanda courtside with 11 teams around the league hosting “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”-themed games, and new exclusive Marvel team merchandise featuring “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” marks on your favorite apparel.
Additionally, the NBA App will feature player interviews describing what “Wakanda Forever” means to them and go behind the scenes of the Los Angeles film premiere with athletes walking the Red Carpet with coverage also on NBA social channels.
Until then, fans are encouraged to check a different battle – an Oct. 26 doubleheader between the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks (7:30 ET) followed by the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets (10 ET) on Oct. 26 where you can find an exclusive look at “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” on ESPN.
