Basketball New Zealand (BBNZ) is ecstatic to announce a major partnership with global footwear retailer, Foot Locker, which will provide an immense boost to age group level basketball across Aotearoa.
Beginning from today, Foot Locker have come onboard as the official and exclusive Footwear partner of BBNZ, and as Naming Rights Partner of BBNZ’s Age Grade Nationals basketball tournaments – U16, U18 and U20.
Their first activation in the Age Group space will be at BBNZ’s U20 Nationals, which is being held at MainPower Stadium in Rangiora from 31 May – 3 June. Now known as the Foot Locker U20 Nationals, Foot Locker will have a strong presence at this tournament, with the introduction of a new finals award – Defensive Player of the Tournament – and all award winners receiving Foot Locker vouchers.
Foot Locker comes in as an experienced partner in basketball worldwide. They are a partner of the NBA, the Australian NBL and Basketball Australia, and has naming rights across all Australian Junior Championships tournaments.
BBNZ Chief Executive, Dillon Boucher says that this partnership has the potential to provide a significant shift in the success of age group basketball in this country.
“We’re absolutely pumped about this partnership with Foot Locker, as we know they are incredibly passionate about – and dedicated to – the sport of basketball,” says Boucher.
“They’re also a culturally relevant fashion and lifestyle brand that will resonate well with our youth players, while helping BBNZ to deliver our key strategic priorities of participation impact, performance, fan engagement and diversity.
“We’re already in discussions with Foot Locker about a variety of exciting initiatives to support and engage tamariki and rangatahi, and we’ve excited to see what the future holds for age group basketball in the future with Foot Locker on board.”
Brendan Graham, Senior Marketing Director for Foot Locker Asia Pacific, says:
“Basketball is the heartbeat around the sneakers and apparel culture that is Foot Locker. It is something that many of our Stripers in stores across New Zealand are passionate about and fueled by daily. We are proud to invest in the future of New Zealand basketball, and highlight important aspects of the game, like the art of defensive hustle.”
Boucher is also a big fan of Foot Locker’s new defensive award, which will first be introduced at the Foot Locker U20 Nationals and rolled out at U16’s and U18’s later in the year.
“Defense is something I took immense pride in during my playing career, and I feel it’s sometimes overlooked at this younger age level; it’s all about scoring and highlights. So to shine the spotlight on a young athlete who has the defensive ability to change the game is great.”
About The Foot Locker U20 Nationals
The Foot Locker U20 Nationals is an annual age group tournament organised by BBNZ, which exists for representative level players to play in a national tournament alongside their peers. The tournament also provides an avenue for players to be identified and assessed by BBNZ High Performance coaches, for future inclusion within the New Zealand Representative space.
This years’ Foot Locker U20 Nationals is being held at Mainpower Stadium in Rangiora, from 31 May – 3 June 2024.
About Foot Locker
Foot Locker, The Heart of Sneakers.
With more than 2500 stores across the world, Foot Locker is a leading global retailer. Since 1974, we’ve become an icon in the global street culture, sneaker scene and athletic lifestyle. Our longstanding relationships with the biggest brands means we constantly provide our community with the latest product, biggest launches and plenty of exclusives.
For us, sneakers are more than shoes, they’re a way of life – a source of energy that sparks moments and influences culture. At the center of it all, you’ll find our Stripers, ready to share all the positivity generated by sneakers.
Together with our Striper entourage, we’re boosting communities and confidence by showing up with a blend of passion, knowledge, and taste you can’t get anywhere else. We’re holding it down while hyping you up because Foot Locker is the Heart of Sneakers.
