British Basketball Seeks Affinity Deals With Timeshare Operators In Europe

Britain’s top basketball league (The BBL), today announced plans to work on new marketing initiatives and strategic alliances with key players within the European timeshare industry.

The league which consists of 12 professional teams based in key cities throughout the UK, attracts family audiences in excess of a million through its season from September to May and in addition through its extensive community programmes.

With the Demographic profile sitting within the ABC1 sector the sport attracts a large percentage of family followers, the marketing synergies between timeshare appear clear for all to see.

Commenting on this new initiative Vice Chair of the BBL and Director of the Sheffield Sharks is Sarah Backovic.

“Basketball is a growing and successful sport in the UK. This is best evidenced in the recent Sport England report outlining basketball as the third most participated team sport in the country.” said Sarah. “However, we see this as an opportunity to further increase crowd growth and ensure the league is on a stronger financial and progressive footing”.

“ Our focus on the timeshare sector was encouraged by David Lilley, who has been a great ambassador for Timeshare and a strong advocate of all the positive elements the industry can extend to us,” continued Backovic. “ We are interested in promoting holiday offers and adding value to our supporters through timeshare opportunities, we believe this will be an appealing concept.”

Basketball’s profile enjoyed significant exposure when the last nine games, including the Championship finals, were televised by Setanta Sports 1 and the parties are currently in negotiation for the 2008-09 season.

To add to the partnership programme, British Basketball recently agreed a five year multi media deal with the Press Association sport division, PA Sport.

The Director responsible for basketball and multi media development is James Mcevoy who explains the vision for any potential partnership;

“With the Olympic Games being staged here in 2012, the sports industry as a whole is in profile more than usual. Interestingly, Basketball is the number one team sport within the Olympic programme and there are opportunities for the forward thinking timeshare players to capitalise” stated Mcevoy. “For example, the 120 plus timeshare resorts in the UK alone would attract a fair number of Olympic spectators seeking to be accommodated in comfort during their stay.”

In line with this vision PA Sport have developed a number of sponsorship and marketing opportunities. These range from television sponsorship opportunities for the more serious players, to ticket insert, database and website promotions.

“ Suffice to say we are looking to work with timeshare players who meet their strict customer service standards”, continued Mcevoy.

For further information interested parties should contact James Mcevoy at PA Sport via email at James.mcevoy@pa-sport.com.