Basketball culture doesn’t start and end on the floorboards. The game goes beyond the points and the baskets, and with American Express, the NBA is celebrating that fact by launching a website called “Off the Court.” With live-chats and videos like that of Paul Pierce touring Brooklyn as well as Rajon Rondo’s above, fans can get to know their favorite players on a more personal level, finding answers to hot-topic questions regarding food, fashion, music, travel and more. Some details from the press release: “American Express and The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced a first-of-its-kind digital destination on NBA.com, entitled Off the Court, which will bring the game and some of its best players to life for fans by exploring shared personal passions, pursuits and interests. This online destination continues the innovative partnership that NBA and American Express have taken to connect fans with the game in new, engaging and meaningful ways and will feature live video chats with NBA players, legends and coaches, a multi-part video series around the players’ passions, daily posts from basketball insiders, contests and more throughout the season. As part of the launch, ‘Off the Court’ is unveiling the first of its multi-part video series featuring four-time NBA All-Star Rajon Rondo and his love of fashion. Additional player videos are slated throughout the season and will include two-time NBA Champion Chris Bosh and NBA All-Star Joakim Noah discussing their own off-the-court passions. Fans will also be able to participate in live video chats with many of their favorite NBA players, legends and coaches to learn about their off-court interests, basketball and more. Hosted by NBA legend Rick Fox, these chats will allow fans to submit their own questions in real-time via social media. Fans can also chat with each other, reacting to player’s comments and join in on the excitement.”
