Marriott Bonvoy Takes Title Sponsorship of Battle 4 Atlantis: An Exclusive Interview

For years, Atlantis Paradise Island has been known for its elite sporting events. Still, the theorists’ most recent announcement heralds a new heyday of one of college basketball‘s most prestigious early-season tournaments.

Jason Spencer, who is the Vice President of On-Island Marketing and Events at Atlantis Paradise Island, spoke exclusively to Heavy.com about the significant partnership that brings Marriott Bonvoy on board as the primary sponsor of Battle 4 Atlantis.

The partnership is not just a name change; it’s a strategic alliance that elevates the tournament’s profile and connects the excitement of college basketball with the rewards of luxury travel.

Spencer emphasized that the partnership will enhance the unique experience that makes Battle 4 Atlantis a must-attend event for players, coaches, and basketball fans worldwide.

Elevating the Tournament Experience

Battle 4 Atlantis has dominated the college basketball landscape since its launch in 2011.

The tournament transforms Atlantis’s Imperial Ballroom into an intimate basketball arena, creating an atmosphere that is unique to collegiate sports.

The Thanksgiving week tournament has become a yearly destination for basketball fans due to the resort’s world-class amenities and the Bahamas’ natural beauty.

Spencer believes that the Marriott Bonvoy partnership will enhance every facet of the tournament experience.

Members of the award-winning travel program will be granted exclusive access to special packages, preferred rates, and unique chances to interact with the action courtside.

Marriott Bonvoy’s loyalty platform integration allows for Battle 4 Atlantis to be both a memorable sporting event and a rewarding travel experience.

Atlantis: The Premier Sports Destination

Atlantis Paradise Island boasts an impressive sports event portfolio, including Battle 4 Atlantis, which many people may not be aware of.

Heavy.com was given a tour by Spencer of the resort’s diverse competition lineup throughout the year. In addition to basketball, Atlantis is the host of the Bahamas Bowl for NCAA football, the White Sands Invitational for collegiate golf, and even the Spartan Race Kids World Championship.

The resort is now a destination for baseball talent with the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby, which Bahamian star Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the New York Yankees anchors. The event, initiated by Bahamian baseball professionals Lucius Fox and Todd Isaacs Jr., commemorates the rich baseball heritage of the islands.

Atlantis is delighted to host the P1 AquaX World Championship, renowned for its jet ski racing, and will also be hosting the Korn Ferry Tour golf event, which returns in January 2026. Atlantis’s commitment to becoming a year-round sports tourism destination, rather than just a seasonal attraction, is exemplified by the strategic diversity of its sports programming.

Global Recognition and Regional Growth

The Marriott Bonvoy partnership perfectly aligns with the rising travel trends in the Caribbean and Latin America. Spencer mentioned during the interview that this collaboration highlights the growing popularity of the area as a preferred destination for both sports and leisure travel.

The partnership enables fans to explore the Caribbean and Latin America while enjoying world-class sporting events, thanks to Marriott International’s extensive portfolio of over 540 properties.

The timing could not be any better. Battle 4 Atlantis is at a crossroads between athletic excellence and destination travel as college basketball continues to expand globally. The tournament has already earned its reputation as a starting point for championship-caliber teams, with past participants going on to have lengthy NCAA Tournament runs.

Heavy.com Exclusive Interview with Jason Spencer

Atlantis Paradise Island has hosted Battle 4 Atlantis for over a decade now. What do you think has made this event such a lasting and successful partnership between sports and hospitality?

Battle 4 Atlantis truly brings together the best of both worlds: sports and hospitality. It’s an incredible event that showcases top-tier collegiate programs in a one-of-a-kind resort environment.

Atlantis offers a fully immersive experience that allows fans and athletes to connect beyond the game. That combination of world-class competition and a resort-style setting creates a unique synergy that sets Battle 4 Atlantis apart from any other tournament.

From your perspective, how has the Battle 4 Atlantis evolved since its inception—both in terms of competition and the overall guest experience?

From a competitive standpoint, we’ve always prided ourselves on being the premier early-season tournament, consistently attracting elite college programs year after year. The consistency and caliber of the teams speak volumes—many of our participants go on to make deep NCAA Tournament runs, including appearances in the Final Four.

One of our most meaningful evolutions came in 2021, when we introduced the women’s tournament. That was a significant step in showcasing that world-class basketball is for everyone, and it’s remained extremely popular ever since.

We’ve also worked to deepen our connection with the Bahamian community by incorporating more local culture—everything from halftime shows that highlight Bahamian traditions to activations around the resort.

More recently, we introduced a tailgate experience, giving fans the chance to enjoy an actual ‘tailgate in paradise.’ Every year, we challenge ourselves to enhance the fan experience and engagement, and that’s been key to the tournament’s continued growth.

The tournament has seen future NBA stars and powerhouse programs compete over the years. Are there any standout moments or players that come to mind when you think about the event’s legacy?

We’re incredibly proud of the level of competition and the caliber of players who’ve come through Battle 4 Atlantis—guys like Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, and Buddy Hield, who have all gone on to successful NBA careers.

One standout moment that really resonated locally was when Ole Miss, led by Coach Yo (Yolett McPhee-McCuin), who is a Bahamian native, won the women’s tournament a few years ago. Seeing her return home to coach her team to victory in front of a passionate local crowd was an unforgettable experience. Moments like that capture what makes this event so special.

How does hosting a high-profile collegiate event like Battle 4 Atlantis align with Atlantis’ broader vision for sports and entertainment tourism in the Bahamas?

Atlantis has positioned itself as one of the top sports destinations in the Caribbean. Sports tourism is a vital part of our identity. Beyond Battle 4 Atlantis, we host events like the Bahamas Bowl, the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby, and the Spartan Kids World Championship. Each event enhances our reputation as a global sports and entertainment hub, underscoring the importance of sports tourism to both Atlantis and the Bahamas.

What unique challenges and opportunities come with transforming a world-class resort into a top-tier basketball venue each year?

It’s incredible to see what we’re able to accomplish at Atlantis in bringing Battle 4 Atlantis to life each year. The transformation of our convention center into a full-scale basketball arena is truly remarkable. When you think about the amount of work, coordination, and teamwork it takes across so many departments, it’s something special to witness.

After 14 years, we’ve developed strong best practices and learned a lot along the way, but our focus remains on opportunities rather than challenges. For us, it’s about continuing to capitalize on the unique environment that Atlantis offers—providing teams, fans, and guests with an experience they simply can’t get anywhere else. Each year, we challenge ourselves to find new and creative ways to make the tournament even more immersive and unique, and that’s what keeps it so exciting.

Marriott Bonvoy Partnership

With Marriott Bonvoy coming on board as the new title sponsor, what kind of synergy do you envision between Atlantis Paradise Island and the Marriott Bonvoy brand?

It’s a great synergy. This partnership really deepens the connection between sports and travel—it’s a perfect match. When you look at the global reach and influence of Marriott Bonvoy and combine that with Battle 4 Atlantis, the alignment makes complete sense. We’re truly honored to have them as our title sponsor. This collaboration unlocks incredible opportunities for travel, fan engagement, and activations across Atlantis, Battle 4 Atlantis, and the participating college programs.

Marriott Bonvoy is already deeply connected to NCAA events like March Madness. How do you think their involvement will elevate the Battle 4 Atlantis experience for both athletes and fans?

I believe this partnership truly elevates the event due to Marriott’s experience, expertise, and deep connections within the college athletics landscape. Marriott already has a strong presence within the NCAA, and combining that with our partnership at Atlantis and Battle 4 Atlantis unlocks tremendous opportunities. Together, we can continue to grow the tournament and take it to new heights.

Will this partnership bring any new enhancements or fan engagement opportunities for visitors attending the tournament this year?

Absolutely. Fans can expect a number of new enhancements and engagement opportunities through this partnership, from both Marriott and Atlantis. There will be exciting activations designed for our guests and Marriott Bonvoy loyalty members, creating an entirely new platform for connection.

This collaboration allows us to introduce fresh program elements and engage with fans and customers in ways we haven’t before. With Marriott’s global reach and Atlantis’ unique setting, this partnership will deliver innovative and memorable experiences for all attendees of Battle 4 Atlantis.

We take great pride in the fact that the majority of our workforce—about 99%—is Bahamian. The event creates direct employment and revenue opportunities for local vendors, and the entire island comes together to help make it happen. That community spirit is part of what makes this tournament so meaningful.

What does it mean for Atlantis to be associated with such a global hospitality leader like Marriott Bonvoy in continuing to grow the international profile of Battle 4 Atlantis?

It reinforces Battle 4 Atlantis as a premium, world-class sporting event aligned with a trusted global brand like Marriott Bonvoy. Marriott Bonvoy is a trusted brand in the travel community, and the Battle 4 Atlantis is a premier basketball tournament. We share the belief that the best memories come from experience, not just events. This is a natural alignment, and I think fans, customers, teams, and all stakeholders will not only see the alignment but also understand what it means to be partnered with a company like Marriott Bonvoy and Battle 4 Atlantis.

Tourism, Community, and Future Growth

How significant is Battle 4 Atlantis to the Bahamas’ tourism economy, especially during what is typically a quieter travel season?

Yes, it’s immensely significant, and the impact goes far beyond Atlantis. We directly benefit from the tournament and the travel it generates, but so do Paradise Island and Nassau—from restaurants to transportation, excursions, and other local services. The economy gets a real boost, which is why the community rallies around the tournament so strongly. Not only is it a world-class sporting event for spectators, but it also has a positive impact on local small businesses—from transportation and restaurants to excursions and vendors. Everyone benefits from the tournament’s arrival at Atlantis. Our broader goal with sports and other events at Atlantis is to maximize this impact and engage our Bahamian partners to help execute these events, contributing to their bottom lines as well.

What role does the event play in showcasing Bahamian culture, hospitality, and community to visiting teams and fans?

Battle for Atlantis has evolved to include a stronger cultural element on and off the court. On the court, we bring the Bahamas into the tournament by showcasing local talent and Bahamian traditions such as Junkanoo—a magnificent display of dance and music. We integrate these elements through on-court visuals, displays, and activations, as well as off the court. Several teams participate in community service initiatives and basketball clinics, engaging with the community. Not only do we weave Bahamian culture into Battle for Atlantis, but the tournament also provides these programs with a unique opportunity to get involved and make a positive impact on the community.

In what ways do local businesses and residents benefit from Atlantis hosting such a globally recognized sporting event?

It has a major impact on the local community and the tournament as a whole, from the vendors who help us make it all happen to transportation, food and beverage, and excursions. The local community’s support is evident, with the island rallying to pull off this event. The tournament also provides employment opportunities—Atlantis staff are predominantly Bahamian (well over 95%, likely around 99%), and temporary workers brought in to produce the event are primarily Bahamian as well. In short, the event delivers a tremendous economic impact to the community and its residents.

As sports tourism continues to grow, are there plans to expand Atlantis’ footprint in this space—perhaps through more international tournaments or athletic partnerships?

As we’ve discussed, sports tourism is extremely important to us and is a core part of Atlantis’s long-term vision. The resort has a history of hosting world-class sporting events, and we will continue to grow in that direction—bringing more tournaments to Atlantis, including basketball and football. We’ve hosted motorized water sports world championships and more. We will always seek to bring the best of the best to compete in this amazing environment, while giving fans and teams a chance to vacation in paradise, soak up the sun, and enjoy everything Atlantis has to offer. This leverages the unique advantage of a resort like Atlantis on a location like the Bahamas, delivering world-class sports to fans and teams in a way they haven’t experienced before.

Looking ahead, what’s your vision for how Battle 4 Atlantis and Atlantis Paradise Island will continue to evolve together over the next decade?

Looking ahead, we’ll continue to bring world-class collegiate programs to Atlantis and focus on delivering the highest level of competition. We love the mix of traditional powerhouses and up-and-coming programs—it keeps the tournament exciting and unpredictable.

We also plan to keep integrating more elements of the resort and the Bahamas into the experience. Whether it’s beachside events or unique fan activations, we’re always looking for creative ways to make Battle 4 Atlantis even more engaging. The goal is simple: to keep delivering unforgettable moments where sports, culture, and paradise come together.

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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

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