DHL delivers NBA action to China

National - DHL has inked a new multi-year sports sponsorship deal with NBA to be its official express and logistics provider in Asia.

The new agreement will see DHL participate in NBA initiatives across various platforms, including television, digital media and events throughout China and Asia.

The first initiative involves DHL bringing the Larry O'Brien trophy to Asia for the NBA Finals Trophy Tour in July.

"This partnership establishes our connection with basketball, one of the fastest growing and most watched sports within China. With multiple NBA events now being staged annually throughout

Asia, it provides a great opportunity to showcase how DHL goes all the way with our expertise in providing total logistics solutions in a region of increasing commercial importance in DHL's worldwide network," Dan McHugh, senior vice president of commercial, DHL Express Asia-Pacific said.

"The convergence of our global brands will deliver the passion, excitement and authentic NBA basketball experience to millions of fans across Asia, while also bringing a positive change in the communities we operate in," Loron Orris, MD of NBA Asia said.

DHL will also be a partner of the NBA China Games 2007 featuring the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Orlando Magic and the Chinese Men's National team in Shanghai and Macau in October, delivering the original NBA floor and back boards.

Additionally, DHL will support NBA's global basketball development and community outreach initiative, Basketball without Borders Asia program to be held in Shanghai in July.