The 2024 Men’s Rwanda Basketball League Playoffs tip off this Friday, August 30, with the league title sponsor betPawa boosting the incentives.
At the Radisson Blu Hotel on Wednesday, August 28, betPawa, a gambling firm with the naming rights for Rwanda Basketball League playoffs, announced that they have boosted the locker room bonuses and MVP prize money.
In the second year of their partnership, FERWABA and betPawa have strengthened their alliance, resulting in greater player engagement. The initial sum of RWF 405.5 million has increased due to raised locker room bonuses.
These bonuses have been increased from RWF 50,000 to RWF 65,000 for the second season of the betPawa playoffs. They will be given only to the winning team and will be shared among 12 players and 3 coaching staff this season.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Ntoudi Mouyelo, betPawa’s Chief Commercial Officer, revealed that the decision to raise the bonuses was intended to foster greater competition in the games.
He said, “We aim to give players more because we want to increase the competition among them.”
He continued, “This is to appreciate the partnership with FERWABA, which allows this sponsorship that benefits players directly through locker room bonuses.”
In addition to the locker room bonuses, betPawa announced that the Rwanda Basketball League Most Valuable Player will now receive USD 2,000, up from USD 1,500 last season.
Mr. Aimée Munana, FERWABA’s legal advisor, praised the partnership and emphasized that it adds significant value to players.
“Raising bonuses is a way to further recognize the players who are central to the game. While we’ve had sponsors support the federation before, this is the first time where a sponsor directs funds specifically to players. This move is excellent and will enhance competition within our league.” Said Munana
The Rwanda Basketball League playoffs will tip off this Friday at Petit Stade, featuring only the men’s teams since the women’s regular season is still ongoing due to the national team engagements.
The top-seeded Patriots will face Kepler, fourth in their inaugural top-tier season, in a best-of-five series starting at 6 p.m. This game will be followed by the matchup between REG BBC and APR BBC, last season’s finalists, at 8 p.m.
The winners will advance to the finals, where a best-of-seven series will determine the 2024 Rwanda Basketball League champions.
