NBA and TEAM Coalition

The National Basketball Association is a founding member of TEAM Coalition. Since 2001, the two organizations have worked together to train tens of thousands of arena employees in alcohol management and to encourage an average of about 70,000 fans every season to be designated drivers for their groups.

Nearly every arena offers fans a designated driver program. Fans who register to be a designated driver pledge to not drink alcohol, drive their friends and family home safely, and ensure that everyone always buckles up. In return for their pledge, these fans are entered to win the NBA Responsibility Has Its Rewards (RHIR) sweepstakes.

Track league-wide designated driver pledges and check the standings of Designated Driver Challenges on the NBA Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk page.

Every year, TEAM Coalition recognizes the teams, concessionaires, and other game day staffing companies who have shown an outstanding effort in making sure their employees are certified in effective alcohol management. Award winners in the NBA are listed in the table below:

2020-2021 NBA Operations Training Winners

Championship Performance 

Madison Square Garden

  • Operations / Teams
  • Concessionaires
  • Designated Drivers

2019-2020 NBA Operations Training Winners

The Prestigious Achievement award recognizes those organizations in which at least 90% of TOTAL STAFF is TEAM certified.

Prestigious Achievement

Madison Square Garden

Excellent Performance

Golden State Warriors

Sacramento Kings

2019-2020 NBA Concessionaire Training Winners

During the 2020 fiscal year, concessionaire companies continued to post strong numbers of TEAM-certified employees.

The Championship Performance category is defined by training 500 employees as the primary concessionaire or 250 employees as a premium concessionaire at an NBA arena.

The Excellent Performance category is defined by training 250 employees as the primary concessionaire or 125 employees as a premium concessionaire at an NBA arena.

Championship Performance

Aramark – Pepsi Center
Aramark – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

Excellent Performance

Aramark – Rocket Mortgage Field House
Legends  – Golden 1 Center

2019-2020 NBA Top 5 Teams for Designated Drivers

TBD

 

2019-2020 NBA Most Improved Teams for Designated Drivers

TBD

  • Operations / Teams
  • Concessionaires
  • Designated Drivers

2019-2020 NBA Operations Training Winners

The Prestigious Achievement award recognizes those organizations in which at least 90% of TOTAL STAFF is TEAM certified.

Prestigious Achievement

Madison Square Garden

2019-2020 NBA Concessionaire Training Winners

During the 2019 fiscal year, concessionaire companies continued to post strong numbers of TEAM-certified employees.

The Championship Performance category is defined by training 500 employees as the primary concessionaire or 250 employees as a premium concessionaire at an NBA arena.

The Excellent Performance category is defined by training 250 employees as the primary concessionaire or 125 employees as a premium concessionaire at an NBA arena.

Championship Performance

Aramark – Pepsi Center
Aramark – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

Excellent Performance

Aramark – Capital One Arena

2019-2020 NBA Top 5 Teams for Designated Drivers

TBD

 

2019-2020 NBA Most Improved Teams for Designated Drivers

TBD

  • Operations / Teams
  • Concessionaires
  • Designated Drivers

2018-2019 NBA Operations Training Winners

The Prestigious Achievement award recognizes those organizations in which at least 90% of TOTAL STAFF is TEAM certified.The Excellent Performers category recognizes those organizations which, in 2015 alone, certified at least 50% of the operations staff necessary to operate the building for an average event.

Prestigious Achievement

Madison Square Garden

Excellent Performers

Golden 1 Center

2018-2019 NBA Concessionaire Training Winners

During the 2018 fiscal year, concessionaire companies continued to post strong numbers of TEAM-certified employees.

The Championship Performance category is defined by training 500 employees as the primary concessionaire or 250 employees as a premium concessionaire at an NBA arena.

The Excellent Performance category is defined by training 250 employees as the primary concessionaire or 125 employees as a premium concessionaire at an NBA arena.

Championship Performance

Aramark – Pepsi Center
Aramark – Quicken Loans Arena

Excellent Performance

TBD

2018-2019 NBA Top 5 Teams for Designated Drivers

TBD

2018-2019 NBA Most Improved Teams for Designated Drivers

TBD

  • Operations / Teams
  • Concessionaires
  • Designated Drivers

2017-2018 NBA Operations Training Winners

The Prestigious Achievement award recognizes those organizations in which at least 90% of TOTAL STAFF is TEAM certified.

Prestigious Achievement

Madison Square Garden

2017-2018 NBA Concessionaire Training Winners

During the 2017 fiscal year, concessionaire companies continued to post strong numbers of TEAM-certified employees.

The Championship Performance category is defined by training 500 employees as the primary concessionaire or 250 employees as a premium concessionaire at an NBA arena.

The Excellent Performance category is defined by training 250 employees as the primary concessionaire or 125 employees as a premium concessionaire at an NBA arena.

Championship Performance

Aramark – Pepsi Center
Aramark – Quicken Loans Arena

Excellent Performance

Legends – Golden 1 Center

2017-2018 NBA Top 5 Teams for Designated Drivers

Oklahoma City Thunder: 11,690 Designated Drivers

Houston Rockets: 8,559 Designated Drivers

San Antonio Spurs: 7,024 Designated Drivers

Charlotte Hornets: 6,338 Designated Drivers

Dallas Mavericks: 6,267 Designated Drivers

2017-2018 NBA Most Improved Teams for Designated Drivers

The San Antonio Spurs had a 161% increase in Designated Drivers in 2017-2018 season compared to 2016-2017.

  • Operations / Teams
  • Concessionaires
  • Designated Drivers

2016-2017 NBA Operations Training Winners

The Prestigious Achievement award recognizes those organizations in which at least 90% of TOTAL STAFF is TEAM certified.

Prestigious Achievement

Madison Square Garden

2016-2017 NBA Concessionaire Training Winners

During the 2016 fiscal year, concessionaire companies continued to post strong numbers of TEAM-certified employees.

The Championship Performance category is defined by training 500 employees as the primary concessionaire or 250 employees as a premium concessionaire at an NBA arena.

The Excellent Performance category is defined by training 250 employees as the primary concessionaire or 125 employees as a premium concessionaire at an NBA arena.

Championship Performance

Aramark – Pepsi Center
Aramark – Quicken Loans Arena

Excellent Performance

Delaware North Sportservice – TD Garden
Legends – Golden 1 Center

2016-2017 NBA Top 5 Teams for Designated Drivers

Dallas Mavericks: 10,189 Designated Drivers

Oklahoma City Thunder: 9,556 Designated Drivers

Houston Rockets: 7,617 Designated Drivers

Charlotte Hornets: 7,494 Designated Drivers

Milwaukee Bucks: 5,095 Designated Drivers

2016-2017 NBA Most Improved Teams for Designated Drivers

Toronto Raptors had a 72% increase in Designated Drivers in 2016-2017 season compared to 2015-2016.

  • Operations / Teams
  • Concessionaires
  • Designated Drivers

2015-2016 NBA Operations Training Winners

The Prestigious Achievement award recognizes those organizations in which at least 90% of TOTAL STAFF is TEAM certified. The Championship Performance category recognizes those organizations which, in 2015 alone, certified 100% of the operations staff necessary to operate the building for an average event. The Excellent Performers category recognizes those organizations which, in 2015 alone, certified at least 50% of the operations staff necessary to operate the building for an average event.

Prestigious Achievement Awards

Madison Square Garden

Excellent Performers

Memphis Grizzlies

2015-2016 NBA Concessionaire Training Winners

During the 2015 fiscal year, concessionaire companies continued to post strong numbers of TEAM-certified employees.

The Championship Performance category is defined by training 500 employees as the primary concessionaire or 250 employees as a premium concessionaire at an NBA arena.

Championship Performance

Aramark – Pepsi Center
Aramark – Quicken Loans Arena
Aramark – Wells Fargo Center

2015-2016 NBA Top 5 Teams for Designated Drivers

Dallas Mavericks: 8,916 Designated Drivers

Charlotte Hornets: 8,386 Designated Drivers

Oklahoma City Thunder: 8,221 Designated Drivers

Houston Rockets: 6,702 Designated Drivers

Sacramento Kings: 5,415 Designated Drivers

2015-2016 NBA Most Improved Teams for Designated Drivers

Minnesota Twins had a 100% increase in Designated Drivers in 2015-2016 season compared to 2014-2015.

  • Operations / Teams
  • Concessionaires
  • Designated Drivers

2014-2015 NBA Operations Training Winners

The Prestigious Achievement award recognizes those organizations in which at least 90% of TOTAL STAFF is TEAM certified. The Championship Performance category recognizes those organizations which, in 2014 alone, certified 100% of the operations staff necessary to operate the building for an average event.

Prestigious Achievement Awards

Argus Event Staffing at Pepsi Center
Madison Square Garden

Championship Performance

Portland Trail Blazers

2014-2015 NBA Concessionaire Training Winners

During the 2014 fiscal year, concessionaire companies continued to post strong numbers of TEAM-certified employees.

The Championship Performance category is defined by training 500 employees as the primary concessionaire or 250 employees as a premium concessionaire at an NBA arena.

Championship Performance

Aramark – Pepsi Center
Aramark – Quicken Loans Arena
Aramark – Verizon Center
Aramark – Wells Fargo Center

2014-2015 NBA Top 5 Teams for Designated Drivers

Dallas Mavericks: 9,488 Designated Drivers

Oklahoma City Thunder: 8,200 Designated Drivers

Houston Rockets: 7,374 Designated Drivers

Scaramento Kings: 6,069 Designated Drivers

San Antonion Spurs: 5,391 Designated Drivers

2014-2015 NBA Most Improved Teams for Designated Drivers

Memphis Grizzlies had a 159% increase in Designated Drivers compared to the previous season.

  • Operations / Teams
  • Concessionaires
  • Designated Drivers

2013-2014 NBA Operations Training Winners

The Prestigious Achievement award recognizes those organizations in which at least 90% of TOTAL STAFF is TEAM certified. The Championship Performance category recognizes those organizations which, in 2013 alone, certified 100% of the operations staff necessary to operate the building for an average event. The Excellent Performer category recognizes those organizations which, in 2013, certified more than 50% of the operations staff necessary to operate the building for an average event.

Prestigious Achievement Awards

Madison Square Garden

Championship Performance

AEG at STAPLES Center
Argus Event Staffing at Pepsi Center

Excellent Performers

AEG at Moda Center
Securitas Security Services USA at Barclays Center
Sports and Entertainment Services at US Airways Center

2013-2014 NBA Concessionaire Training Winners

During the 2013 fiscal year, concessionaire companies continued to post strong numbers of TEAM-certified employees.

The Championship Performance category is defined by training 500 employees as the primary concessionaire or 250 employees as a premium concessionaire at an NBA arena.

Championship Performance

ARAMARK – Pepsi Center
ARAMARK – Verizon Center
ARAMARK – Wells Fargo Center
Levy Restaurants – STAPLES Center

2013-2014 NBA Top 5 Teams for Designated Drivers

Dallas Mavericks: 9,892 Designated Drivers

Oklahoma City Thunder: 8,200 Designated Drivers

Houston Rockets: 7,330 Designated Drivers

Sacramento Kings: 7,004 Designated Drivers

San Antonio Spurs: 4,262 Designated Drivers

2013-2014 NBA Most Improved Teams for Designated Drivers

Toronto Raptors had a 521% increase in Designated Drivers compared to the previous season.

  • Operations / Teams
  • Concessionaires
  • Designated Drivers

2012-2013 NBA Operations Training Winners

The Prestigious Achievement award recognizes those organizations in which at least 90% of TOTAL STAFF is TEAM certified.

Prestigious Achievement Awards

Madison Square Garden

2012-2013 NBA Concessionaire Training Winners

During the 2012 fiscal year, concessionaire companies continued to post strong numbers of TEAM-certified employees. TEAM awards include two categories.

The Championship Performance category is defined by training 500 employees as the primary concessionaire or 250 employees as a premium concessionaire at an NBA Arena.

The Excellent Performer category is defined by training 250 employees as the primary concessionaire or 125 employees as a premium concessionaire at an NBA arena.

Championship Performance

ARAMARK – Verizon Center
ARAMARK – Wells Fargo Center

Excellent Performers

Centerplate – Prudential Center

2012-2013 NBA Top 5 Teams for Designated Drivers

Dallas Mavericks: 9,061 Designated Drivers

Oklahoma City Thunder: 8,200 Designated Drivers

San Antonio Spurs: 5,679 Designated Drivers

Houston Rockets: 5,067 Designated Drivers

Sacramento Kings: 4,652 Designated Drivers

2010-2011 NBA Most Improved Teams for Designated Drivers

Los Angeles Lakers had a 3,442% increase in Designated Drivers compared to the previous season, going from 24 signups to 85 Designated Driver signups.

  • Concessionaires
  • Designated Drivers

2011-2012 NBA Concessionaire Training Winners

During the 2011 fiscal year, concessionaire companies continued to post strong numbers of TEAM-certified employees.

The Excellent Performer category is defined by training 250 employees as the primary concessionaire or 125 employees as a premium concessionaire at an NBA arena.

Excellent Performers

ARAMARK – Verizon Center
ARAMARK – Wells Fargo Center

2011-2012 NBA Top 5 Teams for Designated Drivers

Cleveland Cavaliers: 7,116 Designated Drivers

Oklahoma City Thunder: 6,600 Designated Drivers

Sacramento Kings: 5,234 Designated Drivers

Golden State Warriors: 4,500 Designated Drivers

San Antonio Spurs: 3,531 Designated Drivers

2010-2011 NBA Most Improved Teams for Designated Drivers

Memphis Grizzles increased their Designated Driver sign-ups from 1 person in 2009-2010 to 1,802 in 2010-2011.

  • Operations / Teams
  • Concessionaires
  • Designated Drivers

2010-2011 NBA Operations Training Winners

The Prestigious Achievement award recognizes those organizations in which at least 90% of TOTAL STAFF is TEAM certified. The Excellent Performer category recognizes those organizations which, in 2010, certified more than 50% of the operations staff necessary to operate the building for an average event.

Prestigious Achievement Awards

Madison Square Garden

Excellent Performers

Phoenix Suns

2010-2011 NBA Concessionaire Training Winners

During the 2010 fiscal year, concessionaire companies continued to post strong numbers of TEAM-certified employees.

The Championship Performance category is defined by training 500 employees as the primary concessionaire or 250 employees as a premium concessionaire at an NBA arena.

The Excellent Performer category is defined by training 250 employees as the primary concessionaire or 125 employees as a premium concessionaire at an NBA arena.

Championship Performance

ARAMARK – Verizon Center

Excellent Performers

ARAMARK – Target Center
Centerplate – Prudential Center

2010-2011 NBA Top 5 Teams for Designated Drivers

Dallas Mavericks: 8,716 Designated Drivers

Oklahoma City Thunder: 8,200 Designated Drivers

Sacramento Kings: 7,623 Designated Drivers

Houston Rockets: 5,400 Designated Drivers

Golden State Warriors: 4,277 Designated Drivers

2010-2011 NBA Most Improved Teams for Designated Drivers

Golden State Warriors had a 1,208% increase in Designated Drivers compared to the previous season.

  • Operations / Teams
  • Concessionaires
  • Designated Drivers

2009-2010 NBA Operations Training Winners

The Prestigious Achievement award recognizes those organizations in which at least 90% of TOTAL STAFF is TEAM certified. The Excellent Performer category recognizes those organizations which, in 2010, certified more than 50% of the operations staff necessary to operate the building for an average event.

Championship Performance

Madison Square Garden

Excellent Performers

Argus Event Staffing at Pepsi Center

2009-2010 NBA Concessionaire Training Winners

During the 2009 fiscal year, concessionaire companies continued to post strong numbers of TEAM-certified employees.

The Excellent Performer category is defined by training 250 employees as the primary concessionaire or 125 employees as a premium concessionaire at an NBA ballpark.

Excellent Performers

ARAMARK – Target Center
ARAMARK – Verizon Center

2009-2010 NHL Top 5 Teams for Designated Drivers

Dallas Mavericks: 17,203 Designated Drivers

New Orleans Pelicans: 6,300 Designated Drivers

Sacramento Kings: 5,975 Designated Drivers

Oklahoma City Thunder: 5,659 Designated Drivers

San Antonio Spurs: 4,687 Designated Drivers

TEAM Coalition