Bringing Filipinos closer to international basketball stage
Leading mobile services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is proud to announce its global partnership with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) ahead of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
Under this four-year partnership, Smart is granted exclusivity in the category of telecommunications worldwide. The agreement also provides 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.
With 5G technology, Smart will play an essential role in the activities going into and during the much-awaited global basketball event. FIBA and Smart will work together to create a wide array of exciting experiences for both athletes and fans around the world.
Smart 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.
This historic alliance comes after the strong finish of Gilas Pilipinas in Manama, Bahrain, resulting in the Philippines holding the top spot in Group A.
“I hope all of us will take pride and joy in not only seeing the World Cup logo but in hosting the World Cup. With Christmas just around the corner, and the pandemic still looming over us, it’s great to have good news that will lift our spirits,” said Manuel V. Pangilinan, PLDT Chairman, and SBP Chairman Emeritus.
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.
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.
In a video message during the unveiling of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 logo, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte also shared his excitement about this momentous event in Philippine basketball.
“I join the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas, and our partners, Japan and Indonesia, as we launch the official logo of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
Igniting Filipinos’ passion for hoops
As part of the country’s largest integrated telco PLDT, Smart has always been leading in bringing sports and technology together. To support the return of the Philippine Basketball Association’s hardcourt action even during the pandemic, Smart has powered the ongoing PBA Bubble in Pampanga with Smart 5G. This is the first 5G-powered broadcast of the basketball league in the country.
This has paved the way for the use of TV cameras equipped with 5G to help capture the on-court action efficiently. There is also a 94-foot-wide LED screen beside the court, where the players can see their spectators. Smart has also pioneered the use of wireless 360 cameras powered by 5G in the PBA bubble.
The Philippines will also host the last window of the FIBA Asia Cup 2021 Qualifiers in February, along with Japan, Qatar, and Bahrain.
“Connectivity enables the sport, while the sport provides an avenue for the application of new technology,” said Panlilio.
For more information, visit www.smart.com.ph.
