Blazers Announce New Jersey Sponsorship With Crypto Startup

Even if a much-needed roster overhaul doesn't come to pass, the Trail Blazers will at least look different next season—and not just because Chauncey Billups is replacing Terry Stotts on the sidelines.

In a move the team is calling "fresh, groundbreaking and revolutionary," Portland on Thursday announced a new jersey sponsorship with cryptocurrency startup StormX, a Seattle-based company founded by Calvin Hsieh and Blazers fan Simon Yu.

Fresh, groundbreaking, revolutionary.

We’re excited to announce we are joining forces with @stormxio, the first cryptocurrency jersey patch partner in the NBA! https://t.co/hAHDdMABDA pic.twitter.com/ZWpmp9k2wr
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) July 1, 2021

StormX becomes the first cryptocurrency company to have its patch adorned on NBA uniforms, as well exclusive blockchain partner of the Trail Blazers.

"We are extremely excited to have our team wear such a groundbreaking, revolutionary company on the front of our jerseys,” team president Chris McGowan said. “StormX is a fresh, energetic company with Pacific Northwest roots that can educate and motivate Rip City around cryptocurrency and earning Crypto Cashback. I look forward to taking these next steps together as partners.”

Since being founded in 2015, StormX—which boasts 800 global partners—has cemented itself as the leading crypto cashback provider in the industry. Its goal is to increase financial independence among young adult users in a manner that is "purposeful, approachable and empowering."

"We’re honored to be the first crypto company to form a jersey sponsorship with not only a team of such high caliber, but also with a league of the same stature,” Yu said. “Like the Trail Blazers namesake, we see ourselves as trail blazers in the drive for the mass adoption of crypto, by helping everyday people earn crypto while they shop."

The sponsorship deal between the Blazers and StormX lasts for five years, according to Taylor Soper of GeekWire. Portland's previous jersey patch was Biofreeze, part of a comprehensive partnership program with Performance Health that began in 2018.

[Portland Trail Blazers]

READ MORE: Chris Paul Praises Chauncey Billips After Clinching Finals Berth