After the successful PBA “bubble” in Pampanga that saw Smart powering this year’s season to deliver sports entertainment to homes — through 5G — Smart and FIBA agree to sign a 4-year partnership for FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. PLDT Chief Revenue Officer and Smart President and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio said that this is a milestone not only for the telco firm but more importantly, for the nation.
“This is a huge step in bringing our athletes closer to the world stage. PLDT and Smart have always been at the forefront when it comes to supporting Filipino athletes and their journey to greatness,” Panlilio said.
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What does the partnership mean for Smart?
Under the multi-year agreement, Smart gets the exclusive privilege of 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.
The largest wireless telco in the Philippines is also supporting FIBA’s “Don’t Miss A Beat Challenge” with athletes from Gilas Pilipinas, TNT Tropang Giga, NLEX Road Warriors, Ateneo Blue Eagles, San Beda Red Lions, and other celebrities, as well as and other exciting activities leading up to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
FIBA Basketball World 2023
FIBA Basketball World 2023 will be held, for the first time, in three countries: Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines. During the prestigious competition that will be held from August 25th to September 23, 2023, the Group Phase will happen across the three regions, with the Final Phase to follow in Manila. With 5G, FIBA and Smart will work together to bring the best experience, whether at home or in arenas.
FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Smart Communications Inc. as a FIBA Global Partner. Joining forces with a leading telecommunications company such as Smart will bring unrivaled 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 showcase 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.”
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