2024 Kia EV9 OTA Update Adds Official NBA Themes for 12.3” Screen, How About Those Knicks?

How might they do something like that? Well, they’ve actually had a pretty solid idea. They want to use their Digital Features and Services platform to appeal to NBA basketball fans (who also happen to be EV owners).

The Korean brand will begin rolling out over-the-air updates for Display Themes on the EV9, allowing owners of the vehicle to personalize their driver-facing 12.3-inch instrument cluster with the distinctive colors and logos representing all 30 NBA teams. Meanwhile, other Kia models (in the future) fitted with the company’s Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) infotainment system are expected to get these NBA themes, thanks to their Digital Features and Services OTA capabilities.

So, whether you want to go with the iconic blue and golden yellow of the Golden State Warriors, or perhaps the red, black and white of the Chicago Bulls, the bottom line is you’ll be able to showcase your loyalty to your favorite NBA team through your customizable instrument cluster and infotainment screens.

“As avid basketball enthusiasts, we're thrilled to introduce our latest available OTA update which combines the thrill of the NBA with the opportunity to personalize your Kia vehicle,” said Kia America COO and EVP, Steven Center. “This is just the tip-off, as we’re committed to enhancing the ownership and driving experience with more exciting themes, collaborations, and digital features to be introduced in the future.”

NBA Display themes will be available for purchase for $39,99 for each team, using the Kia Connect Store’s Digital Features and Services – which you can access through the Kia Access app or the Kia Owner Portal. Having to pay $40 for each team sounds a bit steep though, especially since some people aren’t necessarily diehard fans of one team.

As for the EV9, it recently won both World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle at the 2024 World Car Awards. You can purchase yours from $54,900, which will land you the Light RWD specification. For an extra $4,300 you can opt for the Light Long Range RWD variant, which most people will certainly prefer.

Now, let’s talk a little NBA, because the Playoffs are going to be insane this year. We’re still waiting on the Kings and Pelicans in the West, and Bulls or Heat in the East, as far as the 8th seeds are concerned. One of the formers will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Round 1, whereas either Chicago or Miami will play Boston.

Other matchups include Clippers vs. Mavericks, Timberwolves vs. Suns, and Nuggets vs. Lakers in the West, and Cavaliers vs. Magic, Bucks vs. Pacers, and Knicks vs. 76ers in the East.