JUNE 27, 2018
SHENZHEN, China (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019) - The Global Licensing Program for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 was officially launched in Shenzhen, China, on Wednesday.
FIBA, in collaboration with Infront China - which is responsible for the exploitation of the licensing rights in China - is teaming up with Promotional Partners Worldwide (PPW) and Beijing Sinocraft Culture Development Co., Ltd (BSCD), to develop a wide range of merchandising products celebrating the first-ever 32-team edition of FIBA's flagship competition. Such products will include, among others, Son of Dreams, the Official Mascot for China 2019.
PPW, a Hong Kong-based company with more than 20 years' experience in the development of licensing programs for top international sports franchises and properties - including the 2018 FIFA World Cup and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games - has been appointed as the global master licensee. As such, it has been granted exclusive rights to produce and sell Official Licensed Products as well as manage retail operations.
BSCD is a rising star in the traditional handcraft industry, having broken through by innovating, producing and distributing licensed products for top international sports properties. It has been appointed as the exclusive licensing agent in China for precious metals, stamps and commemorative coins of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019.
Present at Wednesday's event were FIBA officials, members of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Local Organizing Committee (LOC), Shenzhen City representatives, delegates and guests from Infront China, PPW and BSCD, as well as FIBA Legend Fadi El Khatib from Lebanon, who ranked among the top 10 scorers at two FIBA Basketball World Cups and played for Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) teams Foshan Long Lions and Fujian Sturgeons.
Patrick Baumann, FIBA Secretary General and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member, said: "The launch of the Global Licensing Program is an important step in the promotion of the FIBA Basketball World Cup and as part of the build-up to the tournament. It also presents an excellent opportunity to further enhance the fan's experience of the World Cup while also enabling them to tangibly bring the competition home."
Mrs. Anne Zhao, Managing Director of Infront China, said: "As the exclusive marketing partner for the domestic commercial rights of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019, Infront China is vigorously driving the commercial program in China as it relates to sponsorship, merchandising and hospitality. Things are moving forward very well and progress will be announced in due course. The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 is drawing the attention of fans from all over the world and we believe this will lead to more win-win opportunities for our commercial partners."
Mr. Ivan Chan, Chairman of the Promotional Partners Worldwide (PPW) Group, said: "We are excited to be the appointed global master licensee for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019, the sport's biggest competition, which is set to take place in China for the first time. Nowadays, people in China are very enthusiastic in sports. PPW will procure more and more unique products for the strong demand of all Chinese fans. We are determined to spread the special charm and passion of FBWC 2019 to each and every basketball lovers in China."
Mr. Shizhong Ma, CEO of Beijing Sinocraft Culture Development Co., Ltd (BSCD), said: "This partnership with FIBA enhances the business growth of BSCD, while also combining the essence of Chinese culture and international sports. This type of cooperation will definitely lead to a globalization of Chinese culture through the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019."
The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Global Licensing Program sets out to up the game of merchandizing by transporting the passion and style of the sport in dedicated collection lines while also providing fans with innovative, fresh and top-notch creative product designs.
The program will include products in the key licensing categories - apparel, headwear, toys and games, plush, fan items, souvenirs, accessories, stationary, homeware, bags/luggage, books and precious metals - across four themes: Basketball, Event, Teams and Host country. The products will be available for retail on-site at official promotional events in the lead-up to FIBA's flagship competition and in all eight venues hosting the action - as well as at FBWC houses - during the World Cup. It will also be possible to purchase them in Official Fan Shops in the Host Cities, Official Retailer in China and the Official Online Store.
The agreement was brokered by FIBA Marketing, the strategic partnership between FIBA and Infront, which is responsible for securing multi-year agreements related to FIBA's new calendar of events.