Nets Turn Kids Day into Full-On Playground
Michael Porter Jr. Leads Brooklyn Past Nuggets
By Christian Spencer
The Brooklyn Nets’ outreach to young fans centers on community engagement designed to put Brooklyn kids at the forefront of the game-day experience.
The Nets earned a 127–115 win over the Denver Nuggets on Jan. 4, the team’s first home game of the new year.
But the Kids Day matchup at Barclays Center—broadcast on the YES Network at 3 p.m.—was part of a broader effort that extended beyond the final score.
“The Nets Kids Games are one of many touchpoints—alongside digital content, community programs, and in-arena experiences—designed to help young fans feel connected to the team,” said Andrew Karson, executive vice president of marketing for Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment.
“Kids respond to what feels current and authentic, so staying culturally relevant and listening to how they engage is key to building long-term relationships.”
The first 5,000 children through the doors received Kids Day giveaways, including kid-friendly keepsakes.
Inside the concourse, families had access to select concession items—pretzels, popcorn, and soft drinks—priced at $5, lower than the usual cost at NBA games.
Compared with the New York Knicks, whose fan base is long established, the Nets continue to focus on localized engagement.
That includes school-based programming tied to science and technology education, literacy initiatives such as Read Across Brooklyn, and recurring park and neighborhood events in communities including Bedford-Stuyvesant.
“By meeting families and youth where they are and authentically reflecting Brooklyn’s many cultures, we look to cultivate meaningful connections that extend well beyond game day,” Karson said.
Kids Day programming also put young fans at the center of the entertainment. Youth performers appeared during halftime and in-game breaks, and a kid reporter joined the broadcast.
“When families experience moments together at Kids Days, Practice in the Park, or community events, those moments become part of their history with family and friends,” Karson said. “Our goal is for today’s young fans to one day return with families of their own, carrying that sense of connection and tradition forward across generations.”
Beyond the Barclays, the Nets extend their reach through programs like NETSTEM, a supplemental STEM curriculum for elementary and middle school students, and Brooklyn Basketball, a joint youth program with the New York Liberty.
“Even for kids who don’t pursue the sport long-term, the memories they create, the lessons learned and the relationships they form will endure,” Karson said.
These programs are designed to meet kids at every stage. At the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center, after-school sessions for boys and girls ages 6–17 provide both basketball training and mentorship.
Each experience focuses on building confidence, teamwork, leadership, and a sense of belonging.
“This layered approach allows kids to grow with us, develop life skills along the way, and deepen their connection to the Nets and Liberty over time,” Karson said.
The team is also heavy on its digital content and interactive experiences, bringing young fans closer to Nets experience.
“By sharing behind-the-scenes access and telling connective stories on their favorite platforms, we’re able to spark early connections that can mature into long-term fandom,” Karson said, describing the team’s outreach across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.
During the Kids Day game, the Nets were also promoting Michael Porter Jr. as a candidate for the upcoming All-Star Game, with many young fans already familiar with him through TikTok and Instagram, including his presence alongside rapper girlfriend Ice Spice.
MPJ’s star power is resonating with younger audiences, and with the Nets developing their young players and building momentum under head coach Jordi Fernández, the Kids Day celebration reflected learning, enthusiasm, and creativity.