Let's call it an economic miracle. The International (FIBA) and Spanish (FEB) Basketball Federations have just announced with one voice, not without pride, that they have stocked up on partners for the next men's world championship, scheduled for 2014 in the Iberian Peninsula. 550 days before the event, the two institutions claim to have sold almost their entire marketing program.
Among the companies that have taken the bait are the Turkish company Beko, the Spanish companies CaixaBank, Endesa, Iberia, San Miguel as well as Mutua Madrilena and Halcon Viajes. A list which is added to the seven global partners which are Bwin, Champion, Intersport, Molten, Peak, Tissot and Turespana. Discussions continue regarding the last two international packages and three other national partnerships.
Yvan Mainini, the French president of FIBA, does not hide his relief: “In a gloomy economic context, particularly in Europe, it is extremely encouraging to be able to count on a group of loyal companies. FIBA and the Spanish Basketball Federation are not only counting on their financial contribution. We will also need their support to promote the event and make the 2014 World Championship a success. »
The next few months promise to be very active for the organizing committee. After the opening of the ticket office on April 17, 500 days before the event, FIBA and FEB will launch a major communication campaign around the world. The organizers will also need to complete the construction of the new venue in Las Palmas on time.
A few days before the visit to Madrid of the IOC evaluation commission for the 2020 Games, the good news from basketball could well gain a few points in Madrid's case. He seems to need it badly.
