NBA legend Chris Webber recently announced the formal world-class launch of his Players Only (PO), a luxury cannabis brand. The entrepreneur is bringing Players Only to the public alongside business partner Lavetta Willis.
The PO line of products boasts an array of experiences for newcomers and seasoned budsters. There will be all-natural cannabis oil cartridges, exotic cannabis flower strains, vapes, prerolls, and performance and sport recovery options. The company will also have Players Only branded gear.
Available at select Cookies and Gage dispensaries in Michigan, the Hall of Famer is also unveiling PO in his Detroit hometown before taking the brand to other markets.
The company’s branding includes partnerships with entertainers, musicians, influencers, legacy cultivators, and community enterprises. This puts PO amid multifaceted collaborations for all its products and campaigns.
Through the acquisition of Gage Growth Corp., March 2022 saw TerrAscend acquire exclusive and secure retail rights for Players Only products in Michigan.
Of the launch, Webber said, “Players Only is more than a cannabis brand – it’s a lifestyle brand,” Webber said. “We truly have a unique opportunity to change the narrative around cannabis, empower rising entrepreneurs and set a new standard in this growing industry. We’re thrilled to launch our versatile offerings and begin the process of creating meaningful economic change in communities across Michigan. Shout out to TerrAscend and Gage – our Michigan family. Much love to Cookies and Berner, let’s go!”
The PO launch opens up with C4, G.O.A.T.’s Milk, and Time Out among the first strains. In the weeks to come, the company plans to market exclusive offerings such as Whipped Cherries and Non-Laters, as well as Ray Jackson’s Black Sox and Blueberry Hotcakes.
Players Only are collaborating with black operators and cultivators. Working with Winner’s Circle Genetics and Hassim Robinson, the company plans to bring strains PB&J and Quavo’s BIRKINZ to his hometown market. Lil Stupid, out of Detroit, will also see its initial launch in the regulated market via the collaboration with Players Only.
Also on the table is Detroit legend Royce 5’9” rolling out his Heaven brand as an innovative NFT. Compliments of the Chef will see its launch via a partnership with Wu-Tang’s Raekwon. The former pro baller will reteam with Jason Williams to unveil the strain “White Chocolate.” (The hoopsters played for the Sacramento Kings.) Webber also has a partnership with Citizen Grown to reinforce its commitment to the community.
As if he weren’t staying busy, Webber appointed Matt Barnes, another former NBA teammate, to the position of Chief Collaborations Officer to launch “The Smoke” alongside Webber’s partner and co-host, Stephen Jackson. The strain’s moniker comes from the Showtime podcast “All the Smoke.” That’s Barnes and Jackson’s award-winning series that gives ballers a platform for unfiltered perspectives about the game.
Lastly, Players Only is also putting together strategic partnerships, created minority ownership positions, and turned to key, licensed limited states to provide branding with optimized marketing and distribution opportunities. They’ve structured legacy grower genetic partnerships to solidify its brand menu with worldwide consistency.