The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced a new office in Singapore, which will expand the league’s presence in the Asia-Pacific.

The new office aims to build on the league’s efforts in the region, through live game distribution, with 11 countries already having access to games and programming through the NBA’s 20 media partners.

Additionally, the NBA will further their presence through youth development programs, interactive fan events, merchandise sales and social responsibility efforts.

Commenting on the new office, Scott Levy, said: “Over the past two decades, Asia-Pacific has proven to be a major growth region for the NBA.”

“Opening an office in Singapore reflects the enormous opportunities to build on that positive momentum by working more closely with our valued partners and bringing our passionate fans in the region closer to their favourite NBA teams and players,” he said.

Over the past two decades, the Asia-Pacific has staged 17 pre and regular-season games, engaged over 40 million boys and girls through the Jr. NBA program and created double-digit subscriber growth on the streaming platform, NBA League Pass.

Singapore will become the third city in Asia to have an NBA office, joining Mumbai and Manila, and the 15th worldwide, which include London, Madrid and New York.

The announcement comes after the NBA revealed its latest plans to source, evaluate and pilot emerging technologies to benefit the future of basketball, through the inaugural NBA Launchpad program comprising five companies.