OPAP scores partnership with Hellenic Basketball Federation

Under the three-year deal, OPAP will serve as a “Gold Sponsor” of Greece’s national men’s and women’s basketball teams across all age groups.

OPAP branding will appear on the front of players’ jerseys, while OPAP will work with the ECC on initiatives to support the development of all formats of Greek basketball.

“Our goal is to help Greek basketball to remain in the elite of the sport internationally; at the same time our ambition is for this collaboration to go beyond the narrow confines of a sponsorship relationship,” OPAP deputy chief executive Odysseas Christoforou said.

ECC president Vangelis Liolios added: “Together with OPAP and the strategic cooperation that we are launching today, the goal is to give impetus to the development of basketball throughout the country, at all ages, to all those currently involved, but also many more that we will bring close to basketball. 

“Together we want to celebrate the next important successes of our national teams; OPAP is a company that places great emphasis on social contribution and there we found another element where we fit.”

The deal comes after Allwyn Entertainment, the lottery giant that recently rebranded from Sazka Entertainment, this month increased its stake in OPAP to 48.1%.

Allwyn will acquire the remaining minority interest in Sazka Delta AIF Variable Investment Company Ltd, an entity through which it holds part of its interest in OPAP, for €327.4m (£273.7m/$366.1m).

Allwyn previously held a 41.2% stake in OPAP, having gradually increased its holding in the business.