Report: NBA signs $225M distribution deal with Rakuten

Japanese company Rakuten continues to make major purchases in the world of sports.

Rakuten struck a $225-million partnership to become the NBA's exclusive distribution partner in Japan, sources told Sam Amick of USA Today. It's unclear as to the length of the deal.

Earlier this summer, Rakuten paid over $20 million annually for the jersey advertisement patch on the Golden State Warriors' uniforms. That deal came on the heels of an enormous $235-million jersey deal with iconic Spanish football club Barcelona.