The Nigeria Basketball Federation has sent a thank you message to the Nigerian basketball community and particularly, Zenith Bank Plc, the sponsors of the Zenith Bank/NBBF Women’s Premier Basketball League, following the successful conclusion of the 2024 premier league season, being the 17th consecutive edition, held in the Indoor Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The league, which saw the MFM Women Basketball club of Lagos, retain the league title it won for the first time last year, as it defeated Nigeria Customs Basketball club by 64-53 points in the exhilarating final game that had the capacity crowd in attendance on the edges of their seats, from the jump ball.

An elated President of Nigeria Basketball Federation, Engineer Ahmadu Musa Kida, was full of praises and thanks  to Zenith Bank Plc, who are the sponsors of the Women’s premier basketball league, that have contributed immensely to the growth and development of female basketball in Nigeria, and with apparent benefits.

“Words alone are not enough to describe how elated we are at the NBBF and I want to express the sincere gratitude of Nigerians to Zenith Bank plc for the immense support given to Nigeria basketball over the so many years that they have sponsored the league,” he said.

He also noted that the working relationship between NBBF and Zenith Bank has helped to improve the fortunes of female basketball in Nigeria, even as several players like Murjanatu Musa, and others, who were discovered at the past editions of the championship, have gone ahead to represent the D’Tigress (Nigeria’s Women National team) on the continental and global stages, and proudly, so.

He equally recalled that practically all members of the Silver medal winning team of the U18 Afrobasket, the Junior D’tigress of Nigeria are all participants in the Zenith league.

He equally heaped  praises and appreciation on all basketball stakeholders in the country and all the players and officials of the clubs, that participated in the League, beginning from the Atlantic and Savannah Conferences stages of the league.

He enthused that the next edition of the championship shall be more intense, competitive, glitzy and glamorous, as the NBBF, would ensure it continues to deliver top quality games and seamless organisation of the league.

The NBBF President also stated his eagerness to welcome the promotion of two finalists of the Zenith Div 1 women’s league that will be executed soon, to the women’s premier league next year.

Brazil’s clubs are proving reluctant to give up their betting sponsors despite the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) saying it will enforce a ban on club sponsorship by bookmakers across all levels of Brazilian football who do not hold state betting licenses.

Corinthians, who have a deal with Esportes da Sorte, are refusing to drop their sponsorship despite the bookmaker not holding a licence in the state of São Paulo.

Esportes da Sorte does have a registration in the state of Rio de Janeiro, where it holds a five-year licence with the Rio de Janeiro State Lottery (LOTERJ).

Until recently that lottery license enabled bookmakers to operate in other states. However, this has been the subject of legal dispute with LOTERJ obtaining an injunction enabling firms to continue operating nationally under its licences, before that decision was suspended in a federal court on October 5.

Corinthians argue that the club “is authorised to continue displaying the Esportes da Sorte brand, according to the current contract, which continues to be fully complied with by the parties”, and is not backing down.

For the moment the CBF has now granted an exception for companies licensed by LOTERJ. Though with the federal government eager for cash and taxes from better regulated gambling market, they may be pressured to change position on this again.

Brazil set to launch nationwide regulation of its gaming market in January 2024

FIFA have signed Chinese computer giant Lenovo as a global sponsor for the next two World Cups, the men’s 2026 World Cup and the 2027 Women’s World Cup, both of which will be played in the Americas.

Lenovo will be designated FIFA’s Official Technology Partner.

The sponsorship was unveiled on stage at Lenovo’s annual Tech World innovation event in Seattle, USA, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino present. It marks the first deal between Lenovo and FIFA.

Lenovo’s products and services will be integrated into the 2026 and 2027 tournaments with the aim that that their technology will power “mproved fan experiences in stadiums and global broadcasts, power enhanced analytics, and democratise data across all global football-playing nations”.

The tech company is set to benefit from huge exposure at both tournaments. The Qatar World Cup in 2022 welcomed almost 3.5 million spectators, whilst the Women’s World Cup garnered an overall attendance of 1.9 million – a figure that can be expected to grow as Women’s football continues to develop.

Lenovo chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang said: “As one of the world’s leading technology companies, we’re delighted to partner with the world’s most global and popular sport. Lenovo will be powering the largest sporting and entertainment events in human history – events with more viewers, more nations participating, and an unprecedented global demand for data processing and technology.

“Lenovo is proud to support FIFA’s vision of leveraging technology to elevate the game, enhance the fan experience worldwide, and foster innovation that levels the playing field. We’re excited that our cutting-edge technology and AI innovation will take centre stage in the upcoming tournaments, demonstrating to the world the transformative power of smarter technology.”

No value was given for the deal.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino added: “At FIFA, we are committed to growing the game globally and making football accessible for all – and we are excited to welcome Lenovo to our journey, and to work with them to implement technologies, innovations and programmes that spread our sport. Data and technology combined helps us to know fans better, and we will use it to create unparalleled and unforgettable fan experiences at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.

“In Lenovo, we have a partner who will support us as we evolve and innovate, investing in digital technology and artificial intelligence for future generations.”