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Pacers-Spokenote partnership wins 2024 NBA Changemaker of the Year Award

In early 2024, the Indiana Pacers made history with the NBA’s first scannable code patch on a professional sports jersey. This first-of-its-kind integration brought Spokenote’s video-powered technology to the center court, literally, turning every jersey into a new kind of connection between team and fan. The result? National recognition and the 2024 NBA Changemaker of the Year Award. What could this kind of impact mean for your business?


A game-changing partnership

When the Pacers stepped onto the court wearing the NBA’s first-ever scannable jersey patch, fans noticed, and so did the league. The partnership turned uniforms into touchpoints, sparked real-time connections in packed arenas, and unlocked a new playbook for fan engagement.

“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.”

Key highlights of the Pacers-Spokenote partnership:

Jersey patch:

The debut of the first scannable code worn by a U.S. professional sports team.

In-game connections:

Innovative in-game promotions, including a souvenir ticket giveaway during the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

All-Star promotions:

Successful integration during NBA All-Star 2024, contributing to the highest-attended All-Star event in 14 years.

Fan souvenirs:

Creation of new products, including an innovative drink coaster program with codes.

The results:

Revolutionizing fan engagement

From pre-game to post-season, Spokenote helped the Pacers do more than deliver content, it helped build connection. Fans were able to scan, watch, and engage with exclusive content from the team, whether from their seats or their screens.

“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.”

Todd Taylor, Pacers Sports & Entertainment President and Chief Commercial Officer

The future: continued innovation & growth

The 2024 NBA Changemaker of the Year Award serves as a powerful validation of our fan-centric approach and a springboard for future developments. While the jersey patch era may have wrapped with the end of the 2025 season, the impact of the Pacers-Spokenote partnership lives on. The award placed Spokenote alongside previous winners and industry giants like PayPal and Amazon Web Services, and solidified our position as a leader in sports tech and fan engagement.

This collaboration proved just how powerful physical-to-digital storytelling can be. And as we continue to expand into education, nonprofits, events, and beyond, we’re helping more organizations build authentic connection.

Learn more about the NBA Changemaker of the Year Award 

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