Chris Brickley’s New Play: Why NBA Stars' Go-to Trainer Is Betting Big on Throne SPORT COFFEE

If you know the game of basketball, and specifically the NBA or WNBA, it's a safe bet that you know Chris Brickley. And if you don't, there's a decent chance that he's put in work with one of your favorite players. Brickley is the go-to trainer for top talent; he's the guy stars call when they want an edge. This includes names like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, James Harden, Breanna Stewart, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese and many, many more.

However, the career Brickley has built is headlined by more than just his talent as a basketball trainer. One glance at his Instagram, with 4 million followers, has enough star power to keep you locked in for hours, but you aren't just witnessing Brickley's work; you're watching a piece of a much larger legacy. And now, the most trusted trainer in basketball is taking on a new role, this time, as a stakeholder in Throne SPORT COFFEE, a brand aiming to shake up the performance coffee market. For Brickley, it’s more than a business move; it’s personal.

Brickley Teams up With Throne SPORT COFFEE, a Product Providing More Than Just Caffeine

Brickley's next big move is one that a high percentage of people can relate to, whether you're an athlete, coffee lover, or anyone in between. The 39-year-old is joining Throne SPORT COFFEE as a stakeholder, becoming a primary backer for one of the most unique coffee products on the market.

Throne SPORT COFFEE, which also features NFL star Patrick Mahomes as a founding partner, is ideal for anyone who's constantly on the go, but it's also a perfect way to start your morning if you kick things off with caffeine.

Not only can I attest to how great the product tastes, but the people behind it unquestionably know what they're doing. Brickley explained as much during our recent conversation about Throne SPORT COFFEE, his career and much more.

"First and foremost, the relationships," Brickley told Men's Journal of Throne SPORT COFFEE. "Trust in the founder, looking at his history, and knowing he's been in the beverage space. He knows what he's doing. When he first reached out, just hearing 'sport coffee' was intriguing."

"You see players in the tunnel walking into games all the time, and they're holding a Starbucks, Dunkin', or just a hotel cup, but you know they're drinking coffee. I hope to see in the future that they'll be holding one of these."

A quick, noticeable feature about the unique product is that it provides more than just a caffeine kick. While Throne SPORT COFFEE provides a strong 150mg of natural caffeine, it also includes several key additions that make it a rare, healthy coffee option.

The Throne SPORT COFFEE’s proprietary COFFEE PLUS+ formula fuels both the Premium Charged Lattes and Cold Brews with the following:

• 150mg of natural caffeine.
• Naturally sweetened with cane sugar (no artificial sweeteners).
• 100% DV of B Vitamins
• 10g protein for recovery, via ultra-filtered lactose-free milk.
• 40 percent fewer calories than leading brands.
• NSF Certified for Sport

Not surprisingly, the additional benefits were a huge selling point for Brickley.

"I love coffee. When I saw this opportunity, I noticed that all the ingredients are healthy," Brickley explained. "There's nothing else quite like it on the market. You have your Starbucks and your Dunkin', but there's nothing really geared towards athletes or trainers. That was definitely intriguing."

"It has protein, natural flavors, and natural sweeteners. It also has plenty of caffeine. It also has electrolytes, which adds to the sports aspect. It's definitely a healthy alternative."

Whether you're a fan of the Premium Charged Latte or Cold Brew options, you're also bound to find a flavor that hits the spot. The latte options include french vanilla, salted caramel, mocha java and coffee, while the cold brew flavors feature mocha cocoa, sea salt caramel, vanilla bean, mint mocha and black.

Brickley's New Move Is Already Grabbing NBA Players' Attention

Brickley, creator of Black Ops Basketball, is one of the most fascinating names in the basketball world, for several significant reasons. Brickley became the first trainer ever to sign a multiyear shoe deal, doing so with Puma in 2019, while Wilson made multiple signature basketballs for him. He's run a gym in NBA 2K and previously partnered with Bodyarmour.

All things considered, Brickley could choose to put his support behind a number of different things, making his decision to team up with Throne SPORT COFFEE even more noteworthy. While Brickley explained that he doesn't push the products he supports on athletes and celebrities he works with (or hangs out with), it's no surprise that this one has already garnered interest from some players.

When asked if any athletes he works with have taken a strong liking to the product, Brickley revealed that New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson is a big fan.

"Some players liked it right off the bat," Brickley responded. "One early morning, Jordan Clarkson wanted a coffee. We gave him a SPORT COFFEE, and he really liked it. He liked it so much he reached out to my manager, and we got a bunch sent to him. Now you randomly see him holding them. Certain athletes have definitely taken a liking to it."

Throne SPORT COFFEE is quickly beginning to make the rounds, and it's easy to understand why. My own initial taste test left me immediately blown away by the taste, caffeine and product as a whole. SPORT COFFEE can be purchased on their website, at Whole Foods, all Lifetime Fitness locations and at Quiktrip, among several other retailers and locations.

Related: After Jazz, Pacers Fined, NBA's Next Move to Stop Tanking Could Be Most Drastic Yet