FIBA appoints PPW and BSCD, launches Global Licensing Program for FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 in China

Infront China and FIBA Marketing to collaborate with new partners in developing wide range of merchandising products

Mies, Switzerland/Shenzhen, China - 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 activation of 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 - have been appointed as the global master licensee. They have been granted the exclusive rights to produce and sell Official Licensed Products and manage retail operations.

BSCD is a rising star in the traditional handcraft industry making a name for itself through innovating, producing and distributing licensed products for top international sports properties. They have been appointed as the exclusive licensing agent in China for precious metals, stamps and commemorative coins of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019

Infront "vigorously driving FIBA's commercial program in China"

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 us 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. Today, people in China are very enthusiastic about 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 the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 to each and every basketball lover 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 the globalisation of Chinese culture through the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019."

The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 Global Licensing Program sets out to improve merchandising 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 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 FIBA Basketball World Cup houses - during the tournament. They will also be available to purchase in Official Fan Shops in Host Cities, through the 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.

About Infront

Infront is a leading sports marketing company managing a comprehensive portfolio of top properties. Infront covers all aspects of successful sporting events, including the distribution of media rights, sponsorship, media production, event operation and digital solutions. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, Infront has a team of more than 1,000 staff working from over 38 offices across more than 14 countries, delivering 4,100 event days of top class sport around the world every year. In 2015, Infront was integrated into Wanda Sports Group, part of Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda Group.

About FIBA

FIBA (fiba.basketball) - the world governing body for basketball - is an independent association formed by 213 National Basketball Federations throughout the world. It is recognised as the sole competent authority in basketball by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

For further information about FIBA, visit fiba.basketball or follow FIBA on facebook.com/fiba, twitter.com/fiba, instagram.com/fiba and youtube.com/fiba.

About Promotional Partners Worldwide (PPW)

With over 20 years' experience in strategy formulation in sales and promotion, PPW is a brand facilitator with traces all over the world. The brands we carry are all reputable and enviable, including: the Smurfs, Peppa Pig, Discovery Channel, Real Madrid C.F., BMW, Pantone and major events, e.g. 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

PPW's mission is to deliver to clients a hassle free one-stop shop solution via our innovative and holistic services. Besides our experienced brand management and business development teams, our supporting teams, creative, legal and finance, are always ready to provide value-added services. In addition to the appreciation given by brand owners, PPW has been highly recognised in the licensing industry as PPW has received numerous licensing awards, e.g. the Best Licensing Agency in Asia, the Best Licensed Promotion from the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA).

About Beijing Sinocraft Culture Development Co., Ltd (BSCD)

Beijing Sinocraft Culture Development Co., Ltd (Hereafter referred to as BSCD) . It takes “the watchmen and transmitter of human cultural treasure” as enterprise mission. It has been a cultural and creative industry company devoting to inheritance, exploration and promotion of excellent traditional cultures.

BSCD has set strategic cooperation with international competition platforms and acquired worldwide copyright franchise. The core team has successfully operated 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, 2010 Shanghai World Expo, Guangzhou Asian Games, 2011 Shenzhen Universiade, Nanjing Youth Olympic Games, 2012 Haiyang Asian Beach Games, FIFA WORLD CUP BRAZIL 2014, FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA 2018 ，FIBA WORLD CUP CHINA 2019 the R&D, design, production, processing and integrated marketing of precious metal licensed souvenirs and cultural derivatives.