FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, and KIA Motors, a leading global car manufacturer, announced they are teaming up for the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship and 2015 FIBA Asia Women's Championship. As part of the partnership, KIA will serve as Presenting Partner of the two continental championships, the region's biggest basketball events this year.
The 2015 FIBA Asia Championship will take place in Changsha, China from 23 September to 3 October, while the 2015 FIBA Asia Women's Championship is to be held in Wuhan, China from 29 August to 5 September.
KIA will be the official car provider at the two events as well as at the Official Draw Ceremony for the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship on Saturday 27 June in Changsha.
As part of the comprehensive marketing rights agreement, the South Korean car manufacturer will be present on the courts at both tournaments, with its logo displayed on the free-throw line circles.
The partnership also includes the promotion of DYK (Dongfeng Yueda Kia), a joint venture between Dongfeng Motor Corporation, Kia Motors and Yueda.
FIBA Secretary General and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member Patrick Baumann said: "We are very proud to partner with a global brand such as KIA. They have been great supporters of basketball in recent years and we look forward to continue working with them also in other parts of the world for many more years to come."
Mr So Nam Young, CEO of Dongfeng Yueda Kia Motor Co., Ltd, said: "We are delighted to partner with FIBA. Basketball is a global sport and the number one sport in China. The 2015 FIBA Asia Championships will be the biggest events in China this year."
The 2015 FIBA Asia Championship and 2015 FIBA Asia Women's Championship are FIBA's flagship events in the Asian Region. Both are part of 'The Road to Rio 2016' which sees teams qualify for the 2016 Men's and Women's Olympic Basketball Tournaments (6-21 August 2016).