Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard put together a breakout season in 2024-25, averaging career highs in points (14.3), rebounds (3.8), and assists (3.5) per game while shooting an also-career-high 47.2% from the floor on his way to winning the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award.
Now? He's been tabbed as the face of Samsonite's "It's Not Just a Bag, It's a Samsonite" campaign, spotlighting the brand’s commitment to creating expertly designed bags for
all types of travel.
The 27-year-old—born and raised in Oregon—was selected by Boston in the first round of the 2020 NBA draft, forcing him to move all the way across the country and plant new roots on the East Coast. Naturally, Pritchard has developed a fast-paced lifestyle, moving from coast to coast while also traveling across the country for games. He credits Samsonite for helping him stay locked in during his busy schedule.
"As someone who’s always on the move—whether heading to practice, flying out for a game, or squeezing in a quick getaway—Samsonite is a constant in my routine," he told Sports Illustrated in an interview promoting the campaign. "Their gear is built for the pace and unpredictability of my lifestyle, helping me stay organized, protected, and ready for anything. With Samsonite, it’s never just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about traveling smarter, moving confidently, and having the kind of reliability that goes the distance with me."
Samsonite, founded in 1910, is headquartered in Massachusetts, the state in which Pritchard now calls home. He says partnering with a company that shares the legacy of his adopted city, Boston, adds another layer of meaning to the collaboration.
"Boston is a city that has given me so much, both as a player and as a person," said Pritchard. "Partnering with Samsonite, a brand that has roots in Massachusetts, adds a special layer to this collaboration. It feels like we’re both telling a story of legacy and innovation. There’s something powerful about working with a brand that shares that connection to a place that’s shaped me in so many ways."
The "It's Not Just a Bag, It's a Samsonite" campaign will roll out across digital, social, and US retail stores. It can be seen across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and premium digital platforms. Behind-the-scenes content, campaign cutdowns, and travel-style editorials featuring Pritchard will continue to drop throughout the summer.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Payton Pritchard Tabbed As Face of Samsonite's 'It’s Not Just a Bag' Campaign After Breakout Season.