Basketball Travelers Inc. has signed a four-year sponsorship agreement with the U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism Department to keep the U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam on St. Thomas through 2029.
The agreement ensures the early-season NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournament will remain in the territory from November 2026 through November 2029. Paradise Jam is entering its 27th year, the department announced in a press release.
“Paradise Jam has become a staple event in the U.S. Virgin Islands and a key driver of the territory’s growing sports tourism industry,” said Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King of Tourism. “We are excited to continue strengthening our partnership with the Paradise Jam organization and to welcome the many student-athletes, fans, and families who experience the destination each year.”
The tournament features Division I programs from across the country and is carried on national television broadcasts. Organizers said the event draws traveling fan bases while promoting the territory as a host for major sporting events, according to the press release.
“Paradise Jam puts the Virgin Islands on a national stage and brings real dollars into our economy. Every year it fills hotel rooms, supports local businesses and showcases St. Thomas at its best. This agreement through 2029 is about steady opportunity for our people and continued growth in sports tourism for the Territory,” Matarangas-King said.
Nels Hawkinson, founder of Paradise Jam and executive director of Basketball Travelers Inc., said the agreement provides continuity for the event and the territory, the press release stated.
“This four-year commitment represents stability, growth, and belief in what Paradise Jam brings to the Territory,” Hawkinson said. “We are deeply grateful to the Department of Tourism for their partnership and vision. Together, we are building something that elevates college basketball while driving meaningful tourism and economic impact for the territory.”
Each year, Paradise Jam brings thousands of visitors to St. Thomas, increasing hotel occupancy and visitor spending during the late fall tourism season. Teams, families, alumni and fans patronize restaurants, ground transportation providers, attractions and retail businesses, the release stated.
Kreston Welch, president and managing partner of Basketball Travelers Inc., said the partnership extends beyond the games themselves, it stated.
“Paradise Jam has always been about more than basketball,” Welch said. “It’s about relationships, community, and showcasing the Virgin Islands on a national stage. This partnership ensures that St. Thomas remains one of the most unique and sought after destinations in college basketball.”
