9 Story Media Group Inks New Deal to Develop Multiple New Series With National Basketball Players Association

9 Story Media Group is pleased to announce that it has entered into a development deal with THINK450, the content and partnership arm of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), bringing NBA players into the kids and family entertainment space.

The partnership includes two new basketball themed series for kids: King of the Court, a CG-animated and live action hybrid series created by 9 Story’s Angela C. Santomero, and co-created by Alyson Piekarsky (Blue’s Clues & You) and Halcyon Person, and Streetball, a live action series aimed at kids ages 6-11, created by Halcyon Person (Karma’s World, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee). 

“We are thrilled that we have the opportunity to partner with THINK450 on these upcoming properties,” said Angela Santomero, Chief Creative Officer for 9 Story. “Basketball is a metaphor for life!  We have an aligned mission with THINK450 to create a series that empowers kids to learn about themselves through sportsmanship and love of the game. The opportunity to work with NBA players to share their truth will further engage kids to learn from and with their heroes.”

“Our players connect with audiences of all ages all over the world, and so many of them are parents too,” said Christina Norman, Head of Content for THINK450. “We’re excited about this opportunity to co-create with 9 Story and present players with the opportunity to tell stories that will resonate with kids and families.”

This partnership was brokered by Keith Dawkins’ Rock Hill Media Ventures with 9 Story’s President and CEO Vince Commisso and follows the recent announcement of Rock Hill’s partnership with THINK450 providing them the unique access to all 450 athletes represented by the union in engaging with kids in a completely new way.

“My relationship with the leadership at 9 Story goes back to my days at Nickelodeon,” said Dawkins. “Forging this deal was important as we continue to seek best in class partners as part of my relationship with the NBPA. As one of those partners, 9 Story gets us closer to realizing our goals of creating diverse, impactful, and, lasting stories by, and inclusive of, NBA athletes.”

ABOUT 9 STORY MEDIA GROUP

9 Story Media Group is a leading creator, producer and distributor of kids and family focused intellectual property. Its award-winning animation studio, Brown Bag Films, is recognized around the world for best-in-class brands such as Doc McStuffins, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Octonauts, Wild Kratts, Blue’s Clues and You and The Magic School Bus: Rides Again. The company’s international distribution arm, 9 Story Distribution International based in Dublin, represents 4,400 half-hours of animated and live-action programming, seen on some of the most respected international channels and platforms. Its in-house consumer products division, 9 Story Brands, builds international entertainment brands for kids, with expertise across creative, brand marketing, and licensing. 9 Story’s Creative Affairs Group creates, develops and produces award-winning branded properties using groundbreaking formative research. With facilities in Toronto, Dublin, New York and Bali, 9 Story Media Group employs 1000 creative and corporate staff. www.9story.com

ABOUT THINK450

THINK450 is the for-profit subsidiary of the NBPA, focusing on innovative business opportunities in various industries including, content & media, grassroots events, licensing, marketing and technology— among others. In representing every current NBA player, THINK450 partners with leading companies and brands to help its members capitalize on the unparalleled value they bring as cultural influencers and community leaders.

THINK450’s goal with its content is to support the players and amplify their ambitions and passions off the court through organic and authentic storytelling. THINK450 connects players with partners and brands that will creatively execute on their ideas and also stand with the values and principles of the players, the NBPA and THINK450.

For more information, visit THINK450.com.

About Rock Hill Media Ventures

Founded by award-winning media executive Keith Dawkins, Rock Hill Media Ventures is a New York based media company that incubates, curates and cultivates ideas for mass consumption. Focusing on its core business areas of media/entertainment, sports and social impact, Rock Hill Media Ventures utilizes its expertise, deep - meaningful connections, and strategic thinking to captivate audiences and deliver outstanding results.

Many of our celebrated partnerships include award-winning entertainment company, Believe Entertainment Group, National Basketball Players Association,  former NFL player, Rashad Jennings and The Rashad Jennings Foundation, Anonymous Philanthropy, Battat Entertainment Group - a division of Battat toy company, 9 Story Media Group, Caribu, Toonz Media Group, Sutikki, Unanico Group, Crystal McCrary Media, creator of the critically acclaimed documentary, Little Ballers, and WCPG, a leading award-winning agency exclusively dedicated to the world of social good. Rock Hill Media Ventures also makes a concentrated effort to work with diverse and underrepresented creative talent, as well as organizations, that share our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in all that we do.