Former NBA Star’s North Korean Trip Sponsored by Paddy Power

Paddy Power's latest marketing scheme involved the sponsorship of former NBA star Dennis Rodman's trip to North Korea. Rodman, 52, has visited the country before and has become friendly with its dictator, Kim Jong Un, attracting media attention across the globe and the eye of the Paddy Power marketing team. Paddy Power issued the following statement: “Paddy Power has an existing relationship with basketball legend Dennis Rodman and is supporting him, at his request, in his mission of basketball diplomacy. “In this regard, we have sought guidance and taken advice from International Crisis Group, a well-regarded NGO with an established track record in North Korea. “Dennis will be hosting a press conference in New York on Monday September 9 on return from Pyongyang.” After a prior trip to North Korea sponsored by Vice Media, Paddy Power will be sending Rodman to Vatican City to boost bets on the new Pope.