THE NBA HAS announced that sponsorships will appear on game-worn jerseys from the start of the 2017-18 season, on a three-year pilot.

Advertising patches will be placed on the left shoulder and measure 2.5-by-2.5-inches, similar to the adverts showcased on All-Star Game jerseys in Toronto.

Individual teams will be responsible for selling their sponsorship, which will not appear on retail jerseys.

“Jersey sponsorships provide deeper engagement with partners looking to build a unique association with our teams and the additional investment will help grow the game in exciting new ways,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.

“We’re always thinking about innovative ways the NBA can remain competitive in a global marketplace, and we are excited to see the results of this three-year trial.”

According to the initial proposal, 50 per cent of the sponsorship revenue will go to the teams, while the other half will be added to the revenue-sharing pool for all teams.

David Oliver Joyce and Brendan Irvine now face box-offs to book Olympic qualification

Katie Taylor suffers first loss since 2011 and will have to wait to secure Olympic place