Philips NBL partnership expands

19 August 2005

Philips NBL partnership expands following First Year Slam Dunk

Following a successful 2004-2005 season, Philips New Zealand will now build on its existing naming rights partnership with The National Basketball League (NBL), and look to work even more closely with local league favourites - The Harvey Norman NZ Breakers (the Breakers).

Philips signed as the major partner of the Australasian NBL in September last year in a multi-year, multi-million dollar deal which included re-naming the NBL the ‘Philips Championship’. The success of the first year of the sponsorship, as well as increasing popularity of the Breakers, are two factors which led to this increased commitment on this side of the ditch.

Under the sponsorship expansion, Philips will receive a range of new benefits, including naming rights of the popular Slam Dunk Competition at the NBL All-Star Game held in December. Philips was also the naming rights sponsor of the recent Four Nations tournament in Perth. The high-energy event saw the NZ Tall Blacks take second place to Australia with Lithuania and China coming third and fourth, respectively.

Closer to home, Philips aims to get more involved on the Breaker’s game nights in the form of running exciting interactive spectator promotions. The Breaker’s first season game coincides with Father’s Day and Philips will sending one lucky father home from the game with a giant 42” flat screen.

Philips will also be looking at new ways to support the Breakers in their efforts to promote basketball more widely in New Zealand. The Breakers already have an extensive grass roots development programme with primary schools and emerging players which will be rolled out more vigorously this year.

A substantial amount of Philips product will also be supplied to the league – from consumer electronics like hard-drive DVD recorders for post-match analysis to providing access to sophisticated medical equipment to manage players’ health. The energy efficiency Philips Lighting System of the Trusts Stadium Waitakere will continue to light the way for home games.

Harvey Norman NZ Breakers Commercial Manager Richard Clarke says Philips sponsorship of the NBL and the Breakers is a great endorsement for a sport growing in popularity.

“Philips has done a fantastic job supporting the All Blacks in their various campaigns for the last ten years and we are pleased to have their well-respected brand backing us. Their commitment to sponsorship and providing the use of their top-of-the-range consumer electronic, healthcare and lighting products adds further value to the relationship.”

Chief Executive Officer of Philips Electronics New Zealand, Errol McKenzie, said that Philips were proud to be a part of the 2004-05 NBL season and look forward to further growing Philips’ relationship with the Harvey Norman NZ Breakers.

“When Philips became involved with the NBL last year, we were looking for a sponsorship which would be able to showcase Philips to our wide range of customers. The Breakers get a fantastic amount of exposure on SKY television for the exciting performance they put on. We’re confident this is a good channel to reach lots of New Zealanders.” said McKenzie.

“Our increased involvement will continue to promote basketball to a wider and increasingly growing audience, as well as utilising local stars to further grow Philips’ market position as the global leader in Healthcare, Lifestyle and Technology products.”

ENDS

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