JAY-Z named creative director of Puma’s basketball division

The rapper will help the sportswear brand re-establish itself in the NBA.

June 19, 2018
JAY-Z named creative director of Puma’s basketball division JAY-Z performs at the Meadows Music & Arts Festival, September 15, 2017.   Angela Weiss / Getty Images

JAY-Z has been handed a high-profile role at sports brand Puma as it relaunches itself in basketball. ESPN reports that Jay will act as creative director, leading the brand in marketing campaigns, identifying talent, and having a voice on product.

ADVERTISEMENT

The sportswear brand made the announcement on Monday after signing NBA draft prospects DeAndre Ayton, Marvin Bagley III, and Zhaire Smith to its roster.

The JAY-Z-owned Roc Nation Sports, has a recent history of dealing with Puma. Several of the NFL, MLB, WNBA, and NBA players represented by the agency have secured deals with the brand while Rihanna, a Roc Nation client since 2010, has acted as a brand creative director since 2014.

ADVERTISEMENT

JAY-Z is currently on a world tour with Beyoncé. The couple, under the name The Carters, released joint album Eveything Is Love on June 16.

JAY-Z named creative director of Puma’s basketball division