The Rwanda Basketball Federation, FERWABA announced a three-year partnership with Cheetah Energy drink. As per the terms of the agreement, Bralirwa, through Cheetah will be investing around 80 M Rfw per year into the league, taking the total value of the deal to 240 million Rwandan francs, and in return, advertise their products on Basketball courts.
A press conference was called at BK Arena on the afternoon of June 26, 2022, at which FERWABA President, Desire Mugwiza and the Bralirwa Managing Director, Etienne Saada were attending to unveil the new partnership between Rwanda Basketball Federation, FERWABA and the largest brewer and soft beverage company in Rwanda, Bralirwa.
FERWABA President confirms that Cheetah Energy drink will be the sponsor of the Rwanda Basketball League for three seasons, but with no naming rights.
In a very exciting way, The President of Rwanda’s governing body of Basketball, Mr Desire Mugwiza seized the opportunity given by Bralirwa to grow the Basketball game in the country.
“This agreement comes at the right time. Cheetah is an energy drink … so, it’s an added energy in our league and in Basketball development in general. We don’t want this partnership to last three years, we want to hold it up longer. They won’t take naming rights though we look forward to having further discussions on this matter. However, they will advertise their products at all basketball courts,” Said Mugwiza
On the side of Bralirwa, Etienne Saada, the managing director, expressed his gratitude to support a game that doesn’t discriminate, a game that everyone is passionate about especially the youth.
He said “When my team proposed this sponsorship, for us, it was obvious because when you see what Basketball represents, it’s really very close to our values. Basically, it is a sport for everybody, especially the young, and we are here to talk about Cheetah, an energy drink for both men and women. We are really happy about this partnership.”
The money will help in the development of basketball, match official wages, and the prize money.
While the league sponsor may have been sorted, the FERWABA boss is keen to hold talks with various interested companies as the Federation is still on the lookout for league naming & broadcasting rights holders.
The Rwanda Basketball League is currently in the second leg and the defending champions, REG BBC lead the way with 16-1. While APR WBBC tops the table in the women’s category with a 10-1 WL record.
