The Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders are delighted to announce that they have signed a sponsorship deal with NIKE which sees them work in collaboration with NIKEiD and NIKE Team Sports for the 2009/10 season.
The deal is a major coup for the league's oldest franchise, and it will see the global sporting giant provide the team with an extensive range of products, from personalized playing and training kit, to personalized on and off court shoes, for the upcoming season.
NIKE UK's Head of Communications, Leo Sandino-Taylor said: 'Having worked with other teams in the league, We're delighted to welcome the Riders to the NIKE family. NIKE is the leading Basketball brand in the world and we're excited about the prospect of extending the NIKE Basketball vision with the Leicester Riders'
Nike ID will also provide a whole host of products for the Riders players, including personalized footwear, t-shirts and bags.
Leicester Riders' General Manager Russell Levenston Commented: 'Everybody at the club is excited about working with NIKE, the world's biggest sporting brand. One thing I have wanted to do since I took over two years ago was to move the club forward each season. Over the past two years, we have worked tirelessly to lay some foundations to be in a position to bring in a global sporting company like NIKE, and partnerships such as these are what basketball needs, both in Leicestershire and Great Britain, to take it to the next level of professionalism.'
Levenston also emphasized the influence that the partnership will have on the Riders community programme. He added: 'The deal will really help promote our identity in the community, and with the support of NIKE, we hope to take the Leicester Riders brand to a new level of professionalism. Working with the NIKE team over the summer has ensured not only that NIKE are on board, but that the products we receive are also personalized for the club.'
The Riders take on the Derby Trailblazers and USA Select in pre-season friendly games this weekend, with league action beginning on Saturday 26th September, with a home game against the Sheffield Sharks. To take advantage of the pre-season games 2 for 1 offer, go to www.leicesterriders.co.uk or call the Rides office on 01162558635.
Source: www.bbl.org.uk
