Ahead of the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend in New York, McDonald’s has unveiled a unique collaboration with Ellie the Elephant, the mascot quickly becoming a social media sensation. The brand’s latest campaign, which includes a series of bold and eye-catching stunts, is designed to amplify its presence during the high-profile event and deepen its engagement with basketball fans across the country.
The campaign centers around Ellie, a character created to bring a fresh, humorous twist to McDonald’s marketing. A large inflatable version of Ellie was spotted towering over New York’s Liberty Basketball arena, sparking both curiosity and excitement among fans and passersby. The stunt is part of McDonald’s broader effort to tie its brand to one of the most important events on the basketball calendar. NBA All-Star Weekend not only draws massive crowds but also captures the attention of millions globally through media coverage and social platforms.
While the marketing push draws on humor and viral potential, it also serves a deeper strategic goal: to connect McDonald’s with a younger, sports-savvy demographic. The campaign’s success will be measured not just by immediate consumer engagement, but by its ability to boost McDonald’s relevance in a space increasingly dominated by brands targeting Gen Z and millennial audiences. As the basketball festivities unfold, expect more from McDonald’s, as Ellie the Elephant continues to make her mark.
n an era where brands are competing for attention on multiple fronts, McDonald’s creative tie-ins to major sporting events like the NBA All-Star Weekend offer a glimpse into the evolving landscape of advertising—where fun, humor, and high-profile partnerships drive brand loyalty.