North American basketball league the NBA has announced a multi-year partnership with Russian gas processing and petrochemicals group Sibur to promote the sport across Russia.
Under the deal, Sibur and the NBA will launch a programme to regenerate basketball facilities in 10 Russian cities where the company has a presence.
These improved facilities will be made available to Sibur employees, their children and the community at large as the tie-up aims to promote an active lifestyle through basketball. NBA players and coaches, past and present, are expected to visit the designated locations in Russia to host skills clinics and events.
David Watts, the NBA’s vice-president for international and Russia, said: “The NBA has a worldwide commitment to growing the game of basketball and ensuring that people can play the game they love in a safe and secure environment. NBA fans in Russia are increasingly engaged with our league and, as a market leader with a deep commitment to sports, Sibur is an ideal partner to help us provide communities with unique experiences and greater access to basketball in Russia.”