Kappa is All Sports
Kappa has a long and established relationship with certain sports, particularly football, but the brand stands for all sports and for all people on the move. This mission led to Kappa moving into the world of basketball. The rise of basketball in the UK in the last decade demonstrates the increased interest in the game, with more people playing than ever and attendance at games at record levels in recent years. The passion displayed on the court and by the fans at the side-lines aligns closely with Kappa’s love of sport and sports culture, so this sector is a natural partner for the brand.
Two male basketball players in Kappa® kit.
Rising with the Stars of British Basketball
Since 2016, Kappa has supported the British basketball scene by serving both the British Basketball League and Women’s British Basketball League clubs with an array of apparel. Last year, the brand reaffirmed its commitment to British basketball signing a further sponsorship deal to provide all BBL and WBBL clubs with playing and training kits, tracksuits, and leisure wear.
Kappa was proud to adorn the stars of the 2021/2022 season finale in front of a record-breaking number of spectators, who witnessed the Leicester Riders take the BBL Play Off Winners title and the London Lions take the WBBL Play Off Winners title.
Female basketball players wearing the London Lions Kappa® kit.
At the time of renewal, Andy Webb, Chief Operating Officer of the BBL and WBBL, said: “We are thrilled to be continuing our long-standing partnership with Kappa and thank them for their continued support of both the BBL and WBBL. It has been an incredible year for the growth of British Basketball, what with the investment deal earlier this year and the record attendances at the play-off finals, the sport is thriving, and we look forward to working with Kappa again next season.”
“We can’t wait to see our clubs once again kitted out in their apparel out on the court in what is such an exciting time for the sport.”
Dave Bandell, National Team Sports Manager at Kappa said: “When the BBL deal was up for tender we at Kappa didn’t hesitate to pitch again for the apparel partnership. This is now Kappa’s longest-running sponsorship in the UK and emphasises our commitment as a brand to Basketball in the UK. We continue to provide quality kits and benchwear to the BBL and WBBL and wider basketball community and are grateful to be given a further opportunity to work within the upper reaches of basketball”.
Female and male basketball players wearing the BBL Kappa® kit.
Supporting New Talent
As well as sponsoring the league in the UK, Kappa extends its reach into the world of basketball, and specifically into the talent pipeline that is the Barking Abbey Basketball Academy. The academy is renowned for developing the next star player, an important part in ensuring the continued rise of the sport, which the brand recognises and supports fully. In addition to this, the players of Oxford University Basketball Team also don the ‘Omini’ logo whilst training and competing.
Male basketball players wearing the Barking Abbey Academy Kappa® kit.
The Kappa Basketball Mission
The brand’s mission is to enable people to move and improve each time they perform, whether they are an elite athlete or an everyday athlete. Therefore, supporting underrepresented sports to raise their profile and achieve their goal of reaching more people, is a focus for Kappa. The Italian apparel brand has an ambition to support growth in the basketball game, by offering stylish and creative kit designs at all levels, and across genders.
Male basketball player in Kappa® kit.
