Creation of Basketball Academy in Beijing as part of World Cup legacy a step closer for FIBA and BG

FIBA, the International Basketball Federation, and its Global Partner, Beijing Enterprises Group Company Limited (BG), on Wednesday held a signing ceremony for the creation of a first-ever Basketball Academy in Beijing, China.

The facility will be the first of its kind anywhere in the world to be endorsed by FIBA.

The establishment of this academy constitutes an integral part of the legacy program which FIBA is preparing for China after the country hosts the FIBA Basketball World Cup next year (August 31-September 15, 2019).

Patrick Baumann, FIBA Secretary General and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member, said: "The Basketball Academy is a perfect element as part of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019's legacy because it will ensure that education and training in basketball and 3x3 take place across China. Putting in place and seeing through legacy plans at our events is something we take great pride in.

"The inaugural Basketball Academy in Beijing will provide optimal training to a new generation of China's youth players, coaches and referees, who will become involved in our sport after being inspired upon seeing our flagship competition take their country by storm in 2019. The facility will also offer first-class training for off-the-court areas such as manager program for sports marketing and event operation."

Tian Zhenqing, President of the BG Group, said: "The establishment of the FIBA-BG Basketball Academy is the embodiment of the further cooperation between the Beijing Enterprises Group and FIBA. The two parties will build a world-class professional basketball training institution. It will have a far-reaching impact on the development of the Chinese basketball industry, which further promotes the exchange and cooperation between China and other countries through the sport's culture, and ensures a better future for the Chinese basketball movement."

BG became a FIBA Partner in December 2015 for the period 2016-2019, during which time it is granted exclusivity in the categories of beer and wine. Its beer brand, Yanjing Beer - the State beer of China and an official sponsor of the Beijing 2008 Olympics - is promoted widely across all senior men's and women's FIBA events.

In April 2016, the two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand their cooperation by way of the creation of a Basketball Academy and being able to provide local access to world class facilities for lovers of basketball.