Zynga is bringing Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards into the world of digital card games.
Zynga formally announced today, August 18, that its mobile title Spades Plus has partnered with Edwards to promote the game to a wider audience. The collaboration pairs one of basketball’s rising stars with one of the largest mobile Spades communities. As part of the deal, Spades Plus will appear in Edwards’ YouTube series “Year 6 with Anthony,” alongside broader social media activations designed to introduce the card game to his fanbase. A campaign video accompanying the announcement is already live on YouTube, giving an early look at how the partnership will play out across Edwards’ channels.
“Anthony’s passion, competitive spirit, and genuine connection with our community make him the perfect partner to welcome to the Spades family,” said Buğra Koç, general manager of Zynga’s Casual Cards Studio, in a statement announcing the deal.
Zynga is framing the partnership as a way to bridge two audiences that don’t always overlap: Edwards’ massive following among basketball fans and Spades Plus’s long-running base of card game enthusiasts. The company describes Spades as more than a pastime, calling it a tradition passed between friends and families, and says it hopes the collaboration introduces the game to a new generation of players drawn in through Edwards’ platform.
Edwards, the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, has become one of the league’s most recognizable young players, known for his athleticism and scoring ability. He’s also an Olympic gold medalist and a multi-time All-Star with the Timberwolves. Beyond basketball, Edwards founded the nonprofit Don’t Follow the Wave, which offers career development and mentorship programs for young people and student-athletes. He also co-founded Three Fifths Media, a production company focused on original film, television, and digital content, expanding his reach well beyond the court.
Spades Plus is developed by Zynga’s Card & Board Studio, which also produces Backgammon Plus and Gin Rummy Plus. The Spades title offers multiplayer gameplay, social features, live events, and tournaments, and is free to download on iOS and Android with in-app purchases available, including paid random items.
The partnership between Spades Plus and Anthony Edwards is the latest example of Zynga leaning on athlete and celebrity endorsements to expand the reach of its casual game portfolio, a strategy the company has increasingly relied on to keep its long-running titles culturally relevant.
Zynga is a wholly-owned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, whose broader catalog spans franchises including Color Block Jam, CSR2, Empires & Puzzles, Harry Potter: Puzzles & Spells, Toon Blast, and Words With Friends. Take-Two also owns Rockstar Games and 2K, giving the parent company a footprint across mobile, console, and PC gaming.
Zynga did not disclose financial terms of the Edwards partnership, including its length. Zynga did not specify whether additional Spades Plus content featuring Edwards is planned beyond the initial YouTube and social media rollout, leaving open the possibility of further activations tied to the collaboration in the months ahead.