INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers were just honored with a prestigious award from the National Basketball Association Friday.
Thanks to the team's partnership with Fishers-based tech startup Spokenote, the Pacers were given the 2024 NBA Changemaker of the Year Award.
The collaboration was a first-of-its-kind in the NBA, allowing fans to scan a QR-code-like patch on Pacers jerseys to connect with the team and preserve memories.
"We work hard to create unforgettable experiences and engage with our fans in meaningful ways, and Spokenote’s unique technology offered us a fresh opportunity to do exactly that,” said Todd Taylor, Pacers Sports & Entertainment president and chief commercial officer. “Earning the 2024 NBA Changemaker of the Year Award for this partnership is a great validation of our fan-centric approach, and we’re proud to share it with one of the state’s most visionary tech companies."
Key highlights of the award-winning partnership include:
- The world's first scannable code worn by a professional sports team, revolutionizing fan engagement by providing exclusive access to Pacers content.
- Innovative in-game promotions, including a much-talked-about souvenir ticket giveaway during the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
- Successful integration during NBA All-Star 2024, contributing to the highest-attended NBA All-Star event in 14 years.
- Creation of new products, including an innovative drink coaster program with Spokenote codes used to link fans in local bars and restaurants to their favorite teams.
NBA league executives and representatives from all 30 teams helped choose the winner this year. The board said it recognized "the most innovative new league partnership with an emphasis on groundbreaking approaches in emerging categories."
"The Changemaker of the Year Award is a powerful affirmation of Spokenote's innovative spirit and forward-thinking approach," said John Wechsler, CEO of Spokenote. "Our groundbreaking partnership with the Pacers has not only catapulted our brand onto the global stage but has also pushed the boundaries of what's possible in fan engagement. This achievement underscores our commitment to leveraging technology to connect people in meaningful ways."
