Virgin Australia Seals Basketball Australia Partnership as Official Airline of WNBL

Virgin Australia have announced a new partnership with Basketball Australia which will see carrier become the Official Airline partner of the Women’s National Basketball League.

As part of the deal, which extends through the 2013/14 and 2014/15 WNBL seasons, Virgin Australia will become a major sponsor of the WNBL, extending lounge access to all WNBL players for each year of the agreement. 

Supporting all WNBL team flight requirements across the country, Virgin Australia will work alongside both the WNBL and individual clubs to manage team travel and logistics.

Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Kristina Keneally said the new partnership marked an important step forward for the WNBL and for commercial sponsorship of women’s sport.

“We congratulate Virgin Australia for recognising the professionalism and dedication of our female athletes,” Ms Keneally said.

“Virgin Australia has been great supporters of men’s basketball for some time now, taking on the National Basketball League as their first partnership with a major sporting body in 2004.

“With this new partnership, Virgin Australia has now stepped up and thrown significant weight behind the WNBL, too – a very welcome move from a major national airline and a move which shows great leadership.

“Virgin Australia has shown a strong vote of confidence in the contribution our female athletes make to the Australian sporting landscape, and in the future direction of the WNBL itself.

“We’re proud to have Virgin Australia as the Official Airline partner of the WNBL, and we look forward to further strengthening our relationship in years to come.”

Virgin Australia General Manager Marketing, Michael Scott said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the Women’s National Basketball League.

“As the official airline sponsor, we will be able to use our extensive network across Australia to support this fantastic sport, its teams and players. We look forward to welcoming them on board,” Mr Scott said.