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FIBA and ISL Launch New European Basketball SuproLeague

Munich and Lucerne, 19th April 2000/ FIBA and ISL Worldwide have today announced a new strategy for European Basketball. The new concept for 2000 and beyond was unveiled during the Final Four of the FIBA EuroLeague 1999/2000 in Thessaloniki and follows the agreement made earlier this year between FIBA and the international sports media and marketing company ISL Worldwide. The new strategy gives the competition a completely new look, with a new competition format, name and visual identity.

The three essential elements of the new European Club Basketball brand are as follows:
1) Creation of a new competition format to enhance its appeal to fans, media and commercial partners under the new name FIBA SuproLeague.

2) Establishment of a unified brand. Developed in co-operation with brand consultancy Interbrand Newell & Sorrell, this includes a new brand identity and enhancements in presentation to deliver a more colourful and entertaining sport to fans, media and sponsors.

3) The creation of a unique European image, communicating the special passion and excitement European fans have for basketball.

The creation of a unique European image, communicating the special passion and excitement European fans have for basketball.

‘Our research showed that the passion for basketball is more intense amongst European fans than anywhere else in the world, due to their diverse cultural backgrounds.’ said ISL’s CEO, Heinz Schurtenberger, ‘The launch of the FIBA SuproLeague represents a major step towards the aim to further strengthen basketball’s position as the most popular indoor sport in Europe.’

The new FIBA SuproLeague will be promoted through the competition’s various broadcast
partners, sponsors and licensees, appointed by ISL and Sport+, who will be responsible for European TV distribution. In addition, ISL will market the official FIBA SuproLeague ball as well as all commercial rights associated with the annual climax of the competition, the ‘FIBA SuproLeague Final Four’. During the first stage of the agreement, all other marketing rights will be retained by the clubs.

‘European Basketball has its own unique style and drama that people recognise and celebrate.’ said Borislav Stankovic, Secretary General of FIBA. ‘The new brand identity, together with the excitement, passion and diversity of European Club Basketball will ensure a dramatic development in the sport’s popularity and put the FIBA SuproLeague and its clubs at the forefront of public attention.’

The income derived from the exploitation of commercial rights will be redistributed by FIBA to the 24 clubs taking part in the FIBA SuproLeague according to the final standing achieved by the clubs in the competition and the television revenues achieved in the various markets.
The implementation of all organisational aspects, for instance, scheduling of games, co-ordination of the clubs’ obligations and all logistical matters will be handled by the FIBA SuproLeague Office, a limited company which will be founded by FIBA for this purpose. The office will be headquartered in Munich under the direction of Mr. LÚon Wandel (Belgium).

FIBA and ISL first began working together in 1990 when ISL were FIBA’s exclusive worldwide marketing partner for FIBA’s major national team events including the World and European Championships. In 1998 the relationship was modified: FIBA entered into a six-year agreement with ISL for all worldwide television rights (excl. North America) for the major FIBA national team events and decided to be responsible for the marketing aspects themselves.

Contacts:
Paul Stimpson, ISL Worldwide
Tel: ++ 41 41 228 9595 or
email:paul.stimpson@islworld.com

Lilly Frei, ISL Worldwide
Tel: ++ 41 1 388 91 31 or
email: lilly.frei@islworld.com

Florian Wanninger, FIBA
Tel: ++ 49 8974 81580 or

email: secretariat@office.fiba.com