The Euroleague Basketball/Team China Tournament is the first step in a recent partnership agreement between the two competitions that contemplates organizations, clinics and related activities meant to build a relationship that enhances the development of basketball in China.
Infront is the exclusive global marketing partner of the CBA. Infront’s “Gateway China” resource based in Switzerland arranged the partnership between the CBA and Euroleague. “Gateway China” is the premier resource for European and Chinese based clients seeking to capitalise on sports opportunities in each others' market. Infront is uniquely qualified to offer this service due to its substantial presence in both regions.
Two of Europe’s most successful teams
CSKA Moscow, the current Euroleague champion, and Benetton Treviso, one of Europe's most successful teams, will be joined in the tournament by the Chinese national team.
“The Chinese Basketball Association sincerely welcomes the cooperation with Euroleague,” Mr. Li Yuanwei, CBA Vice President, said. “The world has seen the very rapid development of European basketball. During the 2006 World Championship, Team Greece defeated Team USA, and Team Spain beat Team Argentina and ultimately won the championship. These brilliant achievements show the strength and rapid development of European basketball to the world.”
“I’m sure that our teams will offer to the Chinese fans competitive and spectacular games playing with Team China,” Euroleague Basketball CEO Jordi Bertomeu said. “Euroleague Basketball is looking forward to making these projects come true, and we know that there is a lot to learn from Chinese basketball. We wish to learn, but also to share experiences that will be beneficial for everyone involved.”
Infront’s President & CEO Philippe Blatter expanded on the aims of the partnership: “As a result of this partnership both the CBA and Euroleague will offer Chinese fans a tremendously exciting basketball experience of the highest level. The partnership also enables the exchange of experiences and basketball know-how via an extremely broad and extensive platform that further strengthens basketball in China. Among others, and in collaboration with FIBA, this platform includes refereeing programs, training camps both in Europe and in China, coaching clinics as well as marketing and managerial workshops solely developed to enhance critical basketball areas.”
Mr. Blatter added: “We truly look forward to building this relationship together with the CBA and Euroleague and anticipate a successful event in October 2007.”
For further information please contact:
Jörg Polzer
Manager, Communication & PR
Infront Sports & Media AG
www.infrontsports.com
Adam Liu
Media Manager
Infront China
www.infrontasia.com