Planet League and Ball Corporation scale partnership to inspire climate action season-round at Ball Arena
Planet League and Ball Corporation today announced an expanded sustainability partnership for the 2025–26 basketball and ice hockey seasons at Ball Arena, home of the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche.
Following two years of successful collaboration, including the Green Action League and other fan-engagement campaigns, the partners will launch new, innovative programs to inspire sports fans to choose aluminum and live more sustainably. The initiatives will run throughout the upcoming NBA and NHL seasons, giving supporters opportunities to take part both in-arena and at home.
Ball Arena has been pioneering fan engagement on sustainability for years with Nuggets and Avalanche fans recycling 3 million aluminum cups, cans, and bottles during the 2024-2025 seasons. It has more than 250 recycling bins, a “Team Aluminum” squad who collect aluminum during games using backpacks, and aluminum recycling machines on the main concourses where fans have a chance to win gift cards when they recycle.
The expansion of the partnership has been led by fan demand; 95% who participated in last season’s Green Action League said playing for their team motivated them to live greener and 95% said they would like to see more campaigns from their team and Ball.
The focus on aluminum reflects its position as one of the most sustainable beverage packaging materials: able to recycle again and again, with 75% of all aluminum ever produced still in use today. In the United States, aluminum beverage cans can be recycled into another can and returned to store shelves in as little as 60 days, making them the most recycled beverage container in the world.
Mike Kelley, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Ball Corporation, said:
"Over the past two seasons, our partnership with Planet League and Ball Arena has shown the incredible impact sports fans can have when they rally behind sustainability. Building on that success, we’re excited to introduce new ways for fans to take action, have fun, and help advance a world free from waste."
Michael Ceilley, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Partnership Marketing & Media Sales, Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, added:
"This is an exciting partnership for our teams and our community. Fans at Ball Arena are passionate, and this collaboration gives them the tools and inspiration to make a difference—whether they’re cheering on the Nuggets or Avalanche in the arena or taking action at home. Together, we can lead by example in sports and sustainability."
Tom Gribbin, Founder of Planet League, said:
"Sport has the unique power to unite people behind positive change. By making sustainable action fun, competitive, and rewarding, we’re showing that small steps, like choosing aluminum, can add up to a big impact. We can’t wait to see Nuggets and Avs fans lead the way this season."
