Cigna's Evernorth division has signed a multiyear deal with the NBA to become the official health services partner of both the NBA and the WNBA.
Through the partnership, Evernorth will become the "presenting partner" of NBA Total Health, which the company said is a health platform for fans that seeks to link physical, mental, preventive and community health. It will leverage the voices of basketball players and the NBA's reach to "to inspire fans to care for their total health."
Evernorth said the platform will officially launch as part of the NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 16.
"Our partnership with the NBA runs deep," said Glen Stettin, M.D., chief innovation officer at Evernorth Health Services. "We serve the NBA Family by providing services that improve health and wellbeing, and we’re proud that the NBA trusts Evernorth with their health."
"Now, it’s only fitting that we collaborate to improve the health and vitality of the NBA’s fans and communities," he said.
The official launch of the platform in San Francisco will be marked by a community walk that includes 1,000 people, from basketball fans to current and former players and their families, according to the announcement.
Moving forward, Evernorth will collaborate with the NBA and the WNBA to provide health and wellness programs at future events, including the NBA Draft. At these events, the Evernorth team will provide key screenings, educational materials and wellness activities.
The WNBA and Evernorth are working together to build health initiatives ahead of the 2025 season, including for its own All-Star Game, according to the announcement. They're also planning a WNBA Health Summit to be held in the future.
Both sports leagues have put a focus on leveraging the influence of their organizations and players to effect positive changes, according to the announcement. Teaming up with Evernorth is "an unbelievable opportunity to broaden the scope of our work off the court and promote total wellness across our organization," WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison said in the press release.
“Through this partnership, the NBA will continue to elevate the importance of holistic health, providing tools for fans to take control of their health and vitality,” said Barbara Bush, vice president of social responsibility for the NBA, in the announcement. “By combining the powerful influence of the NBA with Evernorth’s leading health expertise and services through enriching programming, this partnership will showcase best-in-class solutions and leadership, while deepening the league’s presence in the well-being space.”