Mies, Switzerland/Chicago, USA - FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, on Tuesday, announced that Connor Sports has been appointed as the official supplier of wooden flooring for FIBA's top level international competitions until 2020. The agreement is the latest to be signed by FIBA Marketing, the innovative strategic partnership between FIBA and Infront Sports & Media.
Connor Sports will supply the latest generation of its QuickLock portable arena surface at the first-ever 32-team FIBA Basketball World Cup taking place in China from 31 August -15 September, 2019. The courts for FIBA's flagship competition will be custom-made and specifically designed to reflect its identity by having uniquely-branded playing surfaces of the highest quality across the eight venues. It will also supply the same equipment for the Olympic Basketball Tournament at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Founded in 1872, Connor Sports is the worldwide market leader in portable and permanent hardwood sports flooring systems. A preferred provider for top athletic organizations across the globe, it is responsible for building maple hardwood courts for 14 NBA teams. It has installed more than 77,000 courts and all of its products are manufactured with the goal of minimizing the environmental impact at every state of the product's life. Connor Sports has been a part of the Gerflor company since 2014.
FIBA and Connor Sports have previously enjoyed successful collaborations with the US-based company most recently serving as Official Court Supplier for the World Cup in Spain in 2014, FIBA EuroBasket 2015 and the Olympic Basketball Tournament at the Rio 2016 Games.
Through this new agreement, Connor Sports once again confirms its status as a go-to supplier of basketball equipment for leading international competitions.Andrew Gettig, Vice-President of International Sales for Connor Sport Court, said: "Connor Sports is proud to once again be chosen by FIBA for its top indoor basketball competitions. We look forward to a continued fruitful partnership with FIBA that includes a shared vision and innovative product solutions from the Gerflor family, including Connor Sports QuickLock for FIBA indoor events and Sport Court as FIBA's Official 3x3 court provider."
Frank Leenders, Director General of FIBA Media and Marketing Services (FMMS), said: "We are extremely pleased to once again call upon Connor Sports, a trusted FIBA Equipment and Venue Centre partner. This partnership will see them deliver top-of-the-line courts that are consistent in terms of quality - as well as look and feel - for our leading competitions until 2020."
CREDIT: FIBA
About Connor Sports
Founded in 1872, Connor Sports is the leader in hardwood sports flooring and is a preferred provider to the NCAA, NBA, FIBA and other organizations. Connor Sports is a part of the Gerflor company. Gerflor's cutting-edge technology, history of innovation and design-forward products as an international leader in the flooring industry provides Connor Sports with global scope and enhanced research and technology. The Gerflor portfolio also includes Sport Court and Taraflex brands. Connor Sports has a proven commitment to sustainability with an excellent environmental record in responsible forestry including use of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified materials and is the only flooring company with an Environmental Product Declaration. The company's manufacturing facility in Amasa, Missouri, USA is independently-audited and compliant with ISO 14001 standards.
Connor Sports products also include leading vulcanized rubber sports surfaces. Connor Sports is on the web at http://www.connorsports.com, Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/connorsports and on Twitter @Connor_Sports.
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).
About Infront Sports & Media
Infront Sports & Media, a Wanda Sports company, is one of the most respected sports marketing companies in the world, managing a comprehensive portfolio of top properties. Led by President & CEO Philippe Blatter, Infront covers all aspects of successful sporting events – including distribution of media rights, sponsorship, media production, event operation and digital solutions – and has won a reputation for its high standards of delivery. As the number one player in winter sport and with a leading role in football, summer and endurance sports, Infront enjoys long-lasting partnerships with close to 170 rights-holders and hundreds of sponsors and media companies. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, Infront has a team of more than 900 experienced staff working from over 35 offices across more than 15 countries, delivering 4,100 event days of top class sport around the world every year. In November 2015, Infront was integrated into Wanda Sports Group, part of the Chinese conglomerate the Dalian Wanda Group.
