Who are the two basketball players in the Sprite commercial?
Uncovering the stars behind Sprite’s fresh “Obey Your Thirst” campaign
(By Carmichael Phillip)
Below is a comprehensive deep dive into the two basketball athletes featured in Sprite’s latest “Obey Your Thirst” commercial—including video examples, context, and analysis.
Anthony Edwards – The Young Dunking Phenom
Anthony Edwards, also known as “Ant-Man,” is one of the faces of Sprite’s renewed “Obey Your Thirst” campaign. A rising NBA superstar with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Edwards is known for his explosive athleticism and slam dunks. Sprite tapped him to resonate with Gen Z audiences and reimagine their iconic 1994 ad in a modern context.
Grant Hill – The Original Sprite Icon
Grant Hill, NBA Hall‑Famer and one of Sprite’s legendary endorsers from the 1990s, returns as part of the campaign. Hill originally starred in the classic “Obey Your Thirst” commercials and reprises a mentor role in the new spot alongside Edwards.
🎬 Breakdown of the Ad
Setup: Edwards is shown practicing alone in a dim gym, drinking Sprite.
Execution: He performs a signature dunk; an awestruck teen tries to copy but falls short.
Payoff: Grant Hill’s voice–over delivers, “You want to hoop like Anthony Edwards? Practice. You want a refreshing drink? Obey your thirst.”—mirroring the 1994 original.
Sha’Carri Richardson – A Fresh Face in the Thirst Movement
Beyond basketball, Sprite expanded the campaign with track sensation Sha’Carri Richardson. While not in the basketball spot, her inclusion reinforces the “Obey Your Thirst” ethos and adds diversity to the voices represented.
Anthony Edwards & Kevin Garnett – The Lock‑In Duo
In 2025 Sprite released another ad titled “Lock In,” featuring Edwards with another NBA legend, Kevin Garnett. The two share a late-night conversation about basketball life—further solidifying Edwards as Sprite’s core influencer.
🏀 Why Sprite’s Casting Matters
Legacy meets Legacy: Bringing Hill into the frame connects the brand’s past to its future.
Gen Z appeal: Edwards’s persona—brash, authentic, athletic—aligns with the current youth culture.
Cultural strategy: Through continuity and relevance, Sprite reinforces its brand message of authenticity and individuality.
Other Sprite Basketball Cameos – Kobe, LeBron & More
In earlier years, Sprite featured NBA stars like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Al Horford, and others in promotions such as “Uncontainable Game.” These ads preceded the current marketing push and set a precedent for Sprite’s close ties to the basketball world.
📌 Viral Impact & Reception
The Edwards–Hill spot has gone viral, especially on TikTok and Instagram, sparking nostalgia among older fans and excitement for younger viewers.
Marketing experts highlight how the campaign uses celebrity chemistry rather than product pushes to craft memetic, shareable content.
These ads have led to limited-edition packaging and “Obey Days” events, reinforcing cross-channel engagement.
🔄 Timeline of Sprite’s Basketball Ads
Year Campaign / Spot Featured Athlete(s)
1994 Original “Obey Your Thirst” Grant Hill
2012 All‑Star Game Promo Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, others
2022 “New Bottle, Same Sprite” Anthony Edwards, Trae Young
2024 Revival “Obey” Spot Anthony Edwards, Grant Hill
2025 “Lock In” Anthony Edwards, Kevin Garnett
💡 Closing Thoughts
Sprite’s smart blend of historical legacy and contemporary athleticism brings both credibility and relevance:
Grant Hill offers roots and nostalgia—his presence lends authenticity.
Anthony Edwards brings dynamism and modern cultural resonance.
Kevin Garnett and Sha’Carri Richardson amplify diversity and brand depth.
Together, these players bring momentum to Sprite’s message: authentic, unapologetic, and thirst-quenching.
✅ TL;DR
The two central basketball figures in Sprite’s noteworthy “Obey Your Thirst” spot are:
Anthony Edwards, the current NBA star who re-envisions the act of dunking as a symbol of aspiration.
Grant Hill, the NBA Hall of Famer who provides the timeless mentor voice bridging past and present.
Together, they elevate the campaign—and Sprite—into a cross-generational cultural moment.
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