NBA Players Sign Virtual Healthcare Deal in Latest Wellness Push

The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) has inked a deal with Teladoc Health to expand player healthcare offerings

NBA players are continuing to take health and wellness seriously. They’ll now have an easier time managing them on the go.

The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) announced Teladoc Health as its preferred virtual care provider, making the telehealth platform’s digital care services accessible to active and retired NBA players, along with their families.

The multiyear partnership aims to ensure NBA players receive dependable healthcare services no matter where the season or any potential trades take them. 

“Healthcare should fit seamlessly into people’s lives, including professional athletes and the families who support them,” said Brian Serfass, the chief marketing officer of U.S. Group Health at Teladoc Health. “With demanding schedules, frequent travel, relocations and extended time away from home, professional sports families need care that is flexible, reliable and available.”

Among other services, Teladoc Health offers primary care, 24/7 urgent care and preventive health screenings. As a component of the partnership, Teladoc Health will also host preventative health screenings for NBPA members at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. 

With no preferred virtual care partner previously in place, this agreement underscores the NBPA’s intent to invest further in digital health services.

“Through our partnership with Teladoc Health, we ensure our players and their families have uninterrupted, high-quality medical support no matter where the game takes them,” said Matteo Zuretti, the NBPA chief player experience officer. “Their dedication to seamless continuity of care, paired with access to premier services, makes them an ideal partner.”

The NBA isn’t the only sports entity strengthening its telehealth offerings. Earlier this year, the PGA TOUR named Cleveland Clinic as its official healthcare provider to provide on-site and off-site health and wellness services to golfers. 

For the NBPA, the Teladoc Health deal follows other recent wellness-focused moves, including collaborating on a study to better understand musculoskeletal and joint health, and partnering with wellness retreat Canyon Ranch.

Professional sports are backing the wellness sector as well. Legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady recently took up a leadership role as chief wellness officer with digital health startup eMed. Not long after, the company announced it had raised $200 million in funding and received a $2 billion-plus valuation.