With the BBL Play Off Final due to take place in front of a sell out crowd at Wembley Arena this Sunday, the British Basketball League reported Spalding had signed a deal to be the official apparel provider to the BBL for the next five years.
This long-term commitment will begin at the start of the 2013-14 season when, all BBL clubs will play in Spalding apparel.
BBL Chairman Paul Blake underlined the significance of the arrangement by explaining,
“This kind of extensive deal with an established company like Spalding is just the latest in a long line of exciting developments for BBL and one more reason to be satisfied that we continue to move in the right direction – and with real purpose.
“With like for like ticket sales across the league now up by around 20% on last season and set against the backdrop of that fantastic turnout of 7,500 at the BBL Cup Final a couple of months ago, it perpetuates the momentum we now have behind us and continues the upward trend of sustainable growth as a league.”
He added, “Having all of our member clubs playing in Spalding apparel will re-enforce that professional edge and visually exude the uniformity and collective desire of the clubs and the league to continue developing and enhancing our product for fans.”
Meanwhile BBL Commercial Director, David Leyden Dunbar, was also quick to point out the benefits of the deal and how important it was to be working with a company who has such a distinguished tradition and reputation.
He said, “For over 130 years, Spalding has been a leader in innovation and quality, a brand synonymous with basketball.
“We are thrilled to be entering into this long term partnership with a global brand who have clearly demonstrated their commitment to the league and share our plans for the future.
“Since taking up the post during October of last year, my intention has always been to significantly alter the commercial landscape of the BBL and Im pleased to confirm that our new partnership with Spalding is just the first in a series of announcements that well be making as momentum builds towards the start of the new season in September.”
Paul Sherratt is Spalding Country Manager for UK & Ireland and was just as pleased with the deal and added, “We are delighted in announcing another step towards increased brand penetration within the UK basketball marketplace for Spalding and for the BBL to join our extensive roster of leagues and teams around Europe wearing our apparel”.
The deal will also give all BBL clubs an opportunity to offer high quality replica apparel to their supporters.
