Basic Fun!, the Florida-based toy and novelties company, announced it has entered into an agreement with Authentic Brands Group (ABG) on behalf of Shaquille O’Neal for the superstar to be the spokesperson for the all-new Tonka line. The toy truck brand, licensed by Hasbro, Inc., has a seventy-year legacy of durable, high-quality products that encourage kids to use their imaginations through creative play. As the official spokesperson for Tonka, O’Neal will be the voice and face of the marketing campaign across TV commercials, digital marketing, and social media, among other activations.
“Shaquille is a larger than life pop culture personality, and kids of all ages adore him — when he says, ‘get outside and play,’ they listen,” said Jay Foreman, CEO of Basic Fun! “For generations, Tonka trucks have been the benchmark of durable and rugged toys that let imaginations run wild. We are bringing together these two legendary icons with the common goal of getting kids off their screens and outside or on the floor to enjoy some fun, creative and active play.”
“I’m so excited to partner with Basic Fun! on the new Tonka line,” said Shaquille O’Neal. “I’m on a mission alongside Tonka and Basic Fun! to motivate kids to ‘Get Out and Play!’”
O’Neal and Basic Fun! will unveil the new Tonka products to the global toy industry and media on opening day of the 117th Annual Toy Fair New York, taking place from February 22-25. Launching at retail this spring with additional products rolling out later in the year, the new Tonka toy line features toy vehicles of all sizes, with themes and ‘mix & mash’ play patterns that appeal to today’s kids while staying true to the Tonka brand legacy.
Top items for spring include the Tonka Metal Movers, a two-pack of collectible diecast vehicles packed with a no-mess sand compound that mimics real construction dirt, and the iconic Tonka Mighty Dump, a sturdy steel construction vehicle built for hauling large loads.