FIBA and Molten continue to blaze their basketball trail for the next two World Cup cycles

FIBA and Molten will continue working as Global Partners into a fifth decade after holding a renewal ceremony to celebrate a special collaboration that stretches back to 1982.

The relationship between both organizations has delivered success through a shared passion and commitment to grow basketball globally and to innovate, with the 40-year anniversary marked in 2022.

It's a mission that remains stronger than ever as both FIBA and Molten head into a new and extended period of Global Partnership, which will cover the next two World Cup cycles.  

The renewal took place in Manila, Philippines, with a signing ceremony that saw FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis join President and CEO of Molten Corporation, Kiyo Tamiaki, along with FIBA Central Board members and key members of the FIBA Family, in saluting an amazing track record of results, as well as underlining how they can continue to shape the future of the sport together. 

"To have this extension of a partnership that has already passed the landmark of 40 years is unique," said Zagklis.

"It highlights the strong bond and shared vision of FIBA and Molten, who have been our Global Partners for longer than anyone else. Molten has played a prominent role in supporting FIBA to grow the sport of basketball globally with their desire to continue innovating and evolving.

"This has included their unwavering support for growing the women’s game and grassroots programs, with Molten having established a great track record of working with FIBA on multiple campaigns. The fact that they plan to further invest in the development of the women’s game is testament to their love for the sport and one of the main reasons we are thrilled to be continuing on this road together."

Meanwhile, Mr. Kiyo Tamiaki commented: "We are thrilled to announce the continuation of our 40-year partnership with the International Basketball Federation. As a sporting goods brand that supports basketball from grassroots to top level competitions, we are proud to be part of the global basketball community.

"FIBA is an essential partner for Molten. We are committed to continuously pursuing technological innovation and working with FIBA to develop and provide products that showcase superior quality both in function and design.

"We also reaffirm our commitment to contributing to social and environmental projects, as well as to empower women's participation in basketball," he added. 

A shining example of Molten's commitment to supporting the women's game is their Female Local Champions Program. Originally rolled out for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2022 in Australia, it saw a national campaign launched to recognize the efforts of women promoting and growing female basketball participation within local communities. Then at the FIBA Women’s EuroBasket 2023, co-hosted in Israel and Slovenia, they also handed out awards to local champions.

About Molten
Molten established since 1958 in Hiroshima, and has been manufacturing and selling sporting goods such as game balls for basketball, handball, soccer, and volleyball based on uncompromising quality.

Molten creates the official game balls and other innovative products such as whistle, digital score board and other sports equipment that are used in international competitions, world’s top leagues and teams, and continues to increase the level of quality as the global standard.