GAMBLING INSIDER

Online gaming operator Betway has announced this week that it has signed a deal to become title sponsors of the 2017 British Basketball All-Stars Championship.

The event, which will take place for the first time this year, will showcase the best of British basketball talent, with eight of the UK’s top sides to compete over a total of 13 matches.

Five players per team will take to the court in shorter-timed quarters with unlimited roll-on/roll-off subs, timeouts and a double-point powerplay to compete for record-breaking £100,000 prize fund, including £20,000 for the eventual champions.

The All-Stars tournament will be held at the O2 Arena, London on 24 September. Additionally, it will be shown live on Sky Sports, as well as being broadcast live in over 70 countries around the world.

Anthony Werkman, Director of Marketing and Operations at Betway, said: “It’s great to be involved with this innovative and exciting spin on a well-established sport.

“At Betway, we like to be at the forefront of new ideas and we strongly believe that the All-Stars Championship will deliver a thrilling experience to basketball fans and Betway customers at the O2 Arena.

“We’re also really pleased to be working with Matchroom Sport on another event. We have an excellent relationship with them and have worked on a number of successful sponsorships together.”

Barry Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Sport, added: “We’re very excited to be once again working with our good friends at Betway. Over the years, we’ve enjoyed a close relationship centred on many of our sports including darts, snooker, boxing, pool, and now basketball.

“The All-Stars Championship is going to be a thrilling day out, showcasing one of the UK’s most up-and-coming sports. It’s the best of British, as well as some exciting All-Stars, and I believe this can be the start of something big both for basketball and Betway.”