Chicago Bulls aim to draw youth involvement with 2026 promotional calendar

The Chicago Bulls are getting set to start the 2026-27 NBA season this week and with a rebuild underway, exciting times are ahead.

For a franchise that has struggled recently, the Bulls made the decision to usher in a new era. Young players, an overhauled front office, and a new coaching staff are making the headlines. But behind the scenes, the Bulls are aiming to win back fans especially the younger generations.

The glory years of the franchise with Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Phil Jackson among others is gone. The goal for the team is to get back to winning titles but getting the fan base involved too is important. And the Bulls are certainly putting an emphasis on that.

I had the chance to speak to Kyle Cummings, Bulls Director of Basketball Programming, Brand Marketing & Fan Development about the promotional schedule and ideas behind it.

“I think for us, it’s trying to find what is going to be best for our fans,” Cummings said to ChiCitySports. “Really, at the core of what we want to do is just create those legendary experience for the fans. Whether that’s going to a game at the United Center or a youth camp, really just trying to find what fans are going to engage with. What’s going to make them feel a part of the team and create the memories together.”

“We hear a lot of really cool stories of fans who grew up watching the Bulls and had that passion for the team but now they are the ones who are bringing their kids to the games, bringing them to camps or clinics, Bulls fest. It’s been really cool for us that fans are now growing up and are now sharing that same passion with their kids.”

Youth involvement is important to the Bulls. It not only grows the fan base but they can help make memories that last a lifetime for those fans.

“It’s huge. That’s something that’s top of mind for me,” Cummings said. “I’ve been in that role work-wise but now in my personal life, I’m doing that with my son. That’s so cool. I grew up watching the team in the 90’s era, I was always a huge fan. Now to be able to share that with my son, it’s something that is so top of the line for us.”

The Bulls have put on youth clinics for years now but they have recently elevated it. Bulls Kid Nation Youth Hoops Clinics are held throughout the year and even include a ticket to the game. The programs are held throughout the Chicagoland area for kids ages 3-17 of all skill levels.

As a bonus, some are gameday clinics which include a ticket to that night’s game. It’s a nice way to get kids involved while allowing them to also attend a game. That’s where the big focus of not only allowing kids to enjoy basketball but helping out the community in Chicago is.

A promotional schedule that is impressive

Having a good promotional schedule is always a good way to get fans involved for games. The Bulls are usually among the best in the league with their promos and the 2026-27 schedule is no different.

The standout promotions this season are the new Statement Edition Bobblehead Series. The series includes seven different bobbleheads to be given away this season across seven different games, one player each game. Former and current players will be included in this set which will be one of the more popular giveaways this season.

Former players featured are Joakim Noah, Dennis Rodman, Horace Grant. While current players include Josh Giddey, Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis, and Norman Powell.

The bobbleheads will have each player featuring the new Statement Edition pinstripe uniforms. It’s not only a fan favorite but a favorite Cummings as well.

“Yeah, we are pumped for the Statement Edition Bobbleheads,” Cummings said. “It’s seven different players, a good mix of current guys and former guys. The first one will be Joakim Noah on December 1 against the Knicks, that one will be pretty cool. I think if I had to pick a favorite, there’s a Dennis Rodman one that I’m really excited for.” Really something I’m looking forward to this year.”

Other giveaways on the schedule include six artist season hats, a Benny the Bull snow globe and a special Benny the Bull Birthday Popcorn Tin.

You can find out more about gameday clinics, youth camps, promotional schedule and much more on the Bulls’ website.

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Source: https://www.chicitysports.com/chicago-bulls-aim-to-draw-youth-involvement-with-2026-promotional-calendar/