LUANDA - The Angolan national championship has been rebranded Banco BIC Basket following a one-year deal signed between the Angolan Basketball Federation (FAB) and BIC bank, last week in the Angolan capital city of Luanda.

This is FAB’s second agreement with a banking institution, after a four-year partnership with BAI bank and the agreement could be extended for another year or more. 

The new Banco BIC Basket - Angola’s flagship tournament - tips off on Friday 21 November and will count with ten participating teams, including eight coming from Luanda, one coming from Benguela province and reigning champions Recreativo do Libolo, who is originally from Kwanza Sul province, but remains based in the capital for strategy reasons.

Although the terms and figures of the agreement remained undisclosed, Fernando Telles, Banco BIC Chief Executive Officer, emphasised Banco BIC’s social responsibilities and explained the reasons for the agreement.

"We signed this agreement because we want to support sporting activities in Angola, and we aim for to extend it for a long period of time," he said.    

Tony Sofrimento, FAB’s Director of Marketing and International Relations, talked to FIBA.com, explaining why this is a significant deal for FAB and basketball in the country. 

"This is a great moment for us because this agreement was almost impossible a few years ago.

"More than increasing basketball’s credibility and visibility, this partnership confirms Banco BIC’s credibility in the Angolan market. 

"We hope to keep raising Angolan basketball’s popularity, and take this opportunity to thank BAI Bank for our partnership over the course of the past four years.

"We signed a one year-deal with BIC with a possibility of extending our agreement, depending on the results that we are aiming for."

For now, Sofrimento says, the agreement will be destined for the national championship and could help out youth tournaments as well. 

FAB remains open to potential sponsors for the women’s championship as well as other tournaments, including the Angola Cup, the country’s Super Cup and the All-Star Game.

"We are funded primarily by the Angolan State, and Sonangol - (Angolan State-owned Oil Producer Company)."

List of Banco BIC Basket teams: Recreativo do Libolo, Primeiro D’Agosto, Petro de Luanda, Inter Clube de Luanda, ASA, Universidade Lusiada, Vila Clotilde, Sporting de Benguela, Marinha de Guerra de Luanda and Progresso do Sambizanga.

FIBA