Rwandan basketball powerhouse Patriots on Tuesday, May 28, inked a 5-year sponsorship deal with the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) which will run until 2029.

The partnership, according to a statement from the bank, aims at sustainable growth and will focus on professionalising the team, developing young talent, and attracting private investors through commercial initiatives.

NBA Africa CEO Claire Akamanzi, President of Basketball Africa League (BAL) Amadou Gallo Fall, former NBA player Joakim Noah, former Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng and FIBA Africa President, Anibal Manave were among the officials that attended the sponsorship signing ceremony that took place at Norrsken House Kigali.

Speaking about the deal, Patriots chairman Clement Ndamaje said the sponsorship not only strengthens the team but also reflects on the shared dedication to giving back and creating a meaningful socio-economic impact.

ALSO READ: The rise of Patriots basketball club; Rwanda’s flag-bearers in BAL 2021

BRD CEO Pitchette Kampeta Sayinzoga said, "As a strategic partner for Rwanda’s development, BRD supports private investors in all development domains including the sports industry

Under this partnership, BRD’s intervention shall complement investments already made by the Government in hard infrastructure for basketball with a strong focus on building an ecosystem and pipeline for young upcoming talents.”

The partnership, she further said, will also create a platform to explore business opportunities in the Basketball sports industry which will encourage the private sector to venture into it and take advantage of tremendous untapped business opportunities while creating the expected socio-economic impact.

Established only in 2014, Patriots BBC has developed to be one of the most followed clubs in Rwandan basketball. Currently, it is leading the league with 20 points in the first round.