FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, has appointed IMG as global master licensee of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
IMG is a global leader in sports, fashion, events and media. IMG also specializes in licensing, sports training and league development.
The multi-year deal will see IMG work with FIBA to develop an extensive range of merchandising products celebrating the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
“The Global Master Licensee is an important component in the build up to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 and the road to the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia,” said David Crocker, FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Executive Director.
“Basketball fans are very passionate, and we want their World Cup experience to be engaging, memorable and exciting, and one they will never forget.”
A line of licensed products featuring the event logo, its brand identity and marks, the Naismith Trophy, the mascot, and the host countries will be made available to fans celebrating the event.
The program will include products in key licensing categories such as apparel, toys and games, souvenirs, accessories, stationery, homeware, bags and luggage, and more.
These items will be available on-site at official promotional events in the lead-up to the World Cup and at all five venues hosting the 2023 competition, as well as at other promotional and FIBA partner activities during the event.
They will also be available at official fan shops and retailers in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia and via the official online store.
“The FIBA Basketball World Cup is the pinnacle global event of one of the world’s most popular sports,” said Bruno Maglione, President of Licensing at IMG.
“Basketball at the national team level has grown increasingly competitive with an ever-widening number of countries having a realistic chance to win the top prize—generating more passion, excitement and fan engagement,” continued Maglione. “We will capitalise on that, working with FIBA to create an all-encompassing merchandise and retail programme for fans in all three host countries, as well as those tuning in from around the world.”
Basketball World Cup 2023 takes place from August 25th to September 10th in Japan, Indonesia and the Philippines.
This is the first time in the history of the competition that multiple countries will host the global tournament, which will feature 32 national teams, the largest number in the events history.