FIBA Create Media & Marketing Subsidiary

May 16, 2012

The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) today announced an important step in order to strengthen its commercial organisation and activities by establishing the wholly-owned subsidiary FIBA Media & Marketing Services SA.

This affiliate will operate from the FIBA offices in Geneva, generic Switzerland.

FIBA Media & Marketing Services SA will concentrate on the development, look management and delivery of all of FIBA’s media, ailment marketing and event activities, and related partnerships, including those for FIBA’s flagship competition, the FIBA Basketball World Cup.

FIBA has entered into a long-term co-operation with Thomas Klooz and Frank Leenders through Value Experience Ltd., their sports and media marketing company. FIBA Media & Marketing Services SA will be headed by Frank Leenders as its Director General. Thomas Klooz will be appointed as Delegate to the Board. Both have worked in international sports marketing in leading functions for more than 20 years. They previously acted as CEO and Managing Director respectively of TEAM Marketing, the marketing company recognised, in particular, for the successful commercial development of the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League.

FIBA Media & Marketing Services SA will continue to build on the strength and commitment of the experienced professionals from the commercial and event team of FIBA.

FIBA Secretary General and IOC member Patrick Baumann said: “This is a milestone in the history of FIBA. With this development we are well structured to enhance and further promote the position of FIBA’s basketball competitions as a premium global sport. We have made significant progress and achieved good results over the past decade. It is the right time for FIBA to move forward and we are ready to do so.  The experience of Thomas Klooz and Frank Leenders, two highly recognized professionals, will enable us to progress FIBA to the next stage in the commercial area.”

Thomas Klooz and Frank Leenders expressed their excitement in co-operating with FIBA: “Together with FIBA we have explored the significant untapped potential of national team basketball on a global level. We are proud to be heading the operation of this new organization with a great team and look forward to putting our experience at the service of an exciting premium sport.”