C4 Energy partners with Josh Hart and is now the official energy drink of the LA Lakers. For a drug-tested athlete, NSF Certified for Sport isn’t a marketing badge — it’s the whole point.
Nutrabolt is doubling down on basketball. On March 5, 2026, C4 Energy announced a partnership with New York Knicks guard Josh Hart,[1] and Nutrabolt CEO Doss Cunningham confirmed separately on LinkedIn that C4 has also become the official energy drink of the Los Angeles Lakers,[2] joining existing team deals with the Knicks, Celtics, Heat, Canada Basketball, and NBA Europe.
Hart, known for his relentless motor and “glue guy” reputation on the court, cited the brand’s NSF Certified for Sport credentials as a key reason for the partnership. As a drug-tested professional athlete, knowing what’s in your supplement matters. And that’s exactly where C4’s third-party certification earns its keep.
This article explains the importance of drug-tested athletes using drug-tested supplements, and discusses the broader C4 lineup. Before we get into it, stay tuned for C4 deals and sign up for alerts while you’re here:
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What NSF Certified for Sport Actually Means
NSF Certified for Sport products go through independent third-party testing to verify they’re free from over 270 substances banned by major athletic organizations, including WADA (the World Anti-Doping Agency). Every batch is tested, and results are publicly available through NSF’s database.
C4’s NSF certification isn’t limited to one product. C4 Sport pre-workout carries it, and so do the C4 Energy Shots and the flagship C4 Energy drink cans. For competitive athletes, that third-party verification removes the guesswork from supplement selection entirely.
C4 Energy Key Ingredients
As most know, C4 Energy drink cans have 200mg of caffeine, but there’s also a bit more. Here’s the lineup:
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Caffeine Anhydrous – 200mg
Not too much, not too little – it’s the go-to standard for solid focus and energy without overloading most adults.
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CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine
Beta-alanine supports carnosine production, which then helps with muscular endurance by buffering the buildup of lactic acid during high-intensity training.
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BetaPower® Betaine Anhydrous
Betaine anhydrous (also known as trimethylglycine) serves a dual role, as it supports power output and cellular hydration. It’s a methyl donor, important for numerous biochemical reactions in the body, especially active bodies.
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Vitamin B12 – 6mcg (250% DV)
Vitamin B12 supports cellular energy metabolism in the body.
As mentioned in the intro, there are other formulas C4 sells that are NSF Certified for Sport:
C4 Sport: The Formula Behind the Certification
C4 Sport is the NSF-certified pre-workout at the core of C4’s athlete outreach. Each 12.4g serving delivers:
- 200mg Caffeine Anhydrous for energy and focus
- 2g CarnoSyn Beta-Alanine to support muscular endurance during high-intensity training
- 2g L-Arginine for blood flow support
- 1.25g BetaPower Betaine Anhydrous for cellular hydration
- 1g Creatine Nitrate (NO3-T) for performance support
- 1g Taurine plus a full electrolyte blend covering sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and chloride
No frills, but clean and dosed to do its job. The formula got a significant upgrade in 2024, which we covered in detail in the C4 Sport 2024 article.
Beyond Sport: The Broader C4 Lineup
Not every athlete needs NSF certification, and C4’s lineup covers a lot of ground. The ready-to-drink C4 Energy drink packs 200mg caffeine in carbonated form with the same core performance ingredients. For more firepower, C4 Ultimate Energy steps up to 300mg caffeine with a tri-stimulant blend. The C4 Ultimate Strength pre-workout adds dual peptides PeptiStrong and PeptiPump alongside 4g creatine monohydrate for strength-focused athletes.
NFL superstar Saquon Barkley teams up with C4 Sport! The NSF Certified for Sport pre-workout ensures clean, tested supplements perfect for competitive athletes. Limited-time bundle available Sept 3-14 with 26% off + $1,000 contest running!
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen C4 lean into the NSF certification angle with a high-profile sports partner. When Saquon Barkley joined C4 Sport in 2025, the same certification story drove the narrative. The Hart deal, paired with the Lakers announcement, makes clear that Nutrabolt is treating the NBA as a long-term marketing priority.
The Pop-Up and the Promo
To celebrate the partnership launch, C4 is running $3 off any online beverage purchase at C4Energy.com with code HART3, a nod to Hart’s jersey number.
On March 21, 2026, C4 is also hosting a pop-up experience at 225 W 34th St in New York City, right next to Madison Square Garden, in collaboration with local basketball apparel brand Local Hoops. Fans can meet Hart, customize Local Hoops x C4 merchandise, sample products, and compete in a pop-a-shot contest.
Whether you’re trying C4 Sport for the first time or already have a can in the fridge, check PricePlow for current prices and availability:
Cellucor C4 Energy Drink (Carbonated) – Deals and Price Drop Alerts
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Disclosure: PricePlow relies on pricing from stores with which we have a business relationship. We work hard to keep pricing current, but you may find a better offer.
Posts are sponsored in part by the retailers and/or brands listed on this page.
