Sergey Kushchenko, President of the VTB United League, spoke about the tournament’s new status ahead of the start of the second season of the WINLINE Basket Cup.
“FIBA recognition is an important step for the WINLINE Basket Cup and for the entire League. In just one year, the tournament has gone from being a new project to an official international competition, and this is the result of a great deal of systematic work. We are grateful to the International Basketball Federation for its constructive dialogue and attention to our tournament.
The WINLINE Basket Cup is a format that combines high-level basketball with a true spectacle. Contemporary music, show business stars in the stands and on the court, and a unique atmosphere in the arena—all of this helps us attract a new audience. We want not only die-hard fans to come to basketball games, but also those who have never been to a game before, and we want them to come back again.
It’s fitting that the new season kicks off in Perm with a match between PARMA and CSKA. Last season’s bronze medalist hosts the reigning champion, and this very first game sets a high bar for the entire tournament. I’m confident that this year, too, the WINLINE Basket Cup will treat fans to exciting basketball and a true celebration in the stands.
“I’d like to thank our partner WINLINE for their support and wish all the teams a successful season,” said Kushchenko.