FIBA and Smart Communications gear up for 2023 with global partnership announcement

FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, and Smart, the Philippines’ leading mobile services provider, have announced a new global partnership ahead of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

The announcement was made today at a virtual press conference hosted by Smart, FIBA and Samahang Basketbol Ng Pilipinas (SBP).

This four-year partnership will run through until December 31, 2023. Under the terms of the agreement, Smart is granted exclusivity in the category of telecommunications worldwide.

The partnership provides key commercial rights across all FIBA competitions, including the men’s and women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments, FIBA Continental Cups for both men and women, FIBA Youth World Cups, the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 and FIBA’s pinnacle event, the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2023.

Smart will play a pivotal role in the lead up to, and during, the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023, using their latest Smart 5G technology. The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 is set to take place for the first time across three nations, the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia, from August 25 to September 10, 2023. The Group Phase will be held across all three host countries, with the Final Phase to follow in the Philippine capital city of Manila. FIBA and Smart will work together to create a wide array of exciting experiences for both athletes and fans around the world.

Present at today’s virtual press conference announcement were Manuel V. Pangilinan, PLDT Chairman, SBP Chairman Emeritus and FIBA Central Board Member; Alfredo S. Panlilio, Smart President and CEO and SBP President; and FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis.

“Our partnership with FIBA is a milestone for the whole nation, just as it is for our company. Through Smart’s mobile innovations, we look forward to introducing immersive digital experiences that will bring hardcourt action to the fingertips of basketball fans around the world and connect us all in our love for the sport,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan.

Alfredo S. Panlilio said that this is a milestone not only for Smart but, more importantly, for the nation.

“This is a huge step in bringing our athletes closer to the world stage. Smart has always been at the forefront when it comes to supporting Filipino athletes and their journey to greatness,” Panlilio said.

Andreas Zagklis added: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Smart Communications as a FIBA Global Partner. Joining forces with a leading telecommunications company such as Smart will bring unrivalled opportunities in the lead up to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. Giving our fans the best ever experience, whether at home or in arenas, is a crucial aspect of any FIBA event, and even more so for this flagship competition. We are looking forward to working with Smart to harness their state-of-the-art technologies and 5G capabilities to deliver the most connected and engaging FIBA Basketball World Cup to date.”

This agreement was brokered by FIBA Marketing, the strategic partnership between FIBA and Infront.