The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has announced Google as the first global partner of women’s basketball and the Women’s World Cup, as the pair aim to expand the popularity of the women’s game.

The deal sees Google and FIBA collaborate with ESPN to distribute the Women’s World Cup, with six games being broadcast on ESPN2 and ESPNU, which will be the most games broadcast live in the tournament’s history.

The rest of the games will be broadcast on ESPN+ and FIBA’s Courtside 1891 platform, while an additional six games will be livestreamed on FIBA’s YouTube channel.

Additionally, Google will be the exclusive presenter of the ‘All-Star 5’, which recognises the best players of the tournament.

Commenting on the partnership, FIBA secretary general, Andreas Zagklis, said: “FIBA is determined to further build women’s basketball and take it to the next level, and we are delighted to welcome on board Google as a Global Partner for the women’s game.”

“We are excited to work with such a prestigious brand with whom we share the same strategic goals in regard to women’s development.

“This partnership promises great things for women’s basketball and the interest in the game globally.

“Google and its worldwide reach opens countless possibilities to push women’s basketball in the future and we look forward to working with them to enhance the game and attract new fans,” he said.

Google marketing director of global sports, media and entertainment marketing, Kate Johnson, added: “At Google, we’re committed to championing equal representation in sports.”

“As FIBA’s first-ever Global women’s partner, we’re proud to help bring even more women’s basketball content to US airwaves and introduce fans to the global game.

“Through this partnership with FIBA and our collaboration with ESPN, we want to continue to extend visibility and exposure to women’s basketball globally and provide women athletes the recognition they deserve and have worked so hard for,” she said.

The announcement builds on the momentum Google created for women’s basketball, after the company announced a multi-year deal to join the WNBA’s gamechanger program.