The International Basketball Federation, (FIBA) and Bitci have announced a new global partnership for the 2021-20213 season, offering innovative products to the basketball community.

By partnering with the blockchain technology company, Bitci, FIBA has joined other sporting codes in identifying this modern technology as the leading way for fans to engage and interact with the sport.

The global partnership will provide Bitci with commercial rights across all FIBA competitions, with specific rights for these events including premium brand visibility on the court and exclusive presenting sponsorship rights for selected FIBA qualifying competitions.

Moving beyond branding elements, the partnership will see Bitci develop dedicated FIBA fan tokens for the global fan community.

In a press release, FIBA stated their: “aim is to provide fans with a voice, giving them the opportunity to vote on various competitions, participate in polls, have access to promotional licensing products, and get special access to tickets and behind the scenes activities.” 

In addition to the FIBA fan token, the two parties will also explore the potential to develop specific NFT’s, compromising memorable moments from the FIBA archive. 

FIBA secretary-general, Andreas Zagklis, said: “FIBA is committed to enlarging the basketball family and offering innovative opportunities to our members and fans.”

“We are confident that Bitci will deliver first-class products through the blockchain, with a dedicated FIBA fan token and the joint development of NFTs. 

“Technology is a key driver in basketball and working with Bitci will further enhance our footprint as well as our direct interaction with fans,” Zagklis said. 

Bitci CEO, Altan Tan, added: “Bitci is honoured to enter into this ground-breaking partnership with FIBA.”

“We have been expanding our partnerships globally this year but partnering with FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, is a game-changer for us. 

“We will work diligently to create a unique FIBA fan token that will have a strong and sustainable value for the fans, and the future will prove that FIBA has selected the right partner in the blockchain industry,” Tan said.