The marketing team for Marvel Stadium has been left in a scramble in the past week as NBA stars continue to pull out of the upcoming international matches against the Australian Boomers.
The series – which will act as a warm-up for the upcoming basketball World Cup – was originally being billed as an all-star event, promising the best the NBA has to offer right here in our backyard.
And the promotional team was charging accordingly, with packages for the Melbourne games ranging from $495 to $17,940.
But what promised to be star-studded event has turned into a nightmare for the promoters, as a host of players from both USA and Australian sides continue to withdraw.
Australia’s very own Ben Simmons has cancelled, while nine of the original 20 players named to represent the USA have withdrawn.
And to make matters worse, images have appeared of Marvel Stadium (where two of the games are being played) promoting tickets using photos of players now not involved in the fixtures.
This seems…. problematic. Not sure who’s running these promotions on Marvel Stadium’s Facebook page, but this post went out on Wednesday. It names 4 guys who won’t be playing in the games, while the graphic also shows 4 guys – including KD (?) – who won’t be there. pic.twitter.com/R3KPhtHmMG
— Olgun Uluc (@OlgunUluc) July 25, 2019
The image is dated to last Wednesday – at which time pictured players James Harden, Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum, and Bradley Beal had all withdrawn.
It also features a picture of LA Clippers player Paul George, who was never even named in the squad.
Marvel Stadium’s website appears to have now been updated to show only players taking part in the August matches.
Marvel Stadium has been contacted for comment.
