There are times when brainstorming sports marketing folks strike lightning by devising a competitive event that feels natural and joyful and capable of engaging men, women, children and perhaps a few pets.

Kudos to the NBA and WNBA for opening the floor to brainstormers Stephen Curry and Sabrina Ionescu, listening to what they said and grabbing the concept.

It was good-natured social media banter between Curry and Ionescu that hatched the idea to expand the NBA’s All-Star Weekend to include a 3-point shooting contest that allows adults to laugh and children to dream.

In one corner, representing one gender, is Curry, the Golden State Warriors superstar and future Hall of Famer.

In the other corner, representing another gender, is Ionescu, the New York Liberty superstar-in-waiting and longtime Curry admirer.

Curry and Ionescu will spend Saturday night waging war against each other from beyond the arc in the “Stephen vs. Sabrina” 3-point challenge. It’s …

Tags Marketing, Marketing Strategy, Social Media Marketing