Leading healthcare firm B. Braun Medical Ltd has been unveiled as the new naming rights partner for the Sheffield Sharks.
The three-year deal will see the British Basketball League (BBL) club become known as the B. Braun Sheffield Sharks from the start of next season.
It builds on a decade-long partnership and collaboration between the Sharks and main supporter, B. Braun Medical Ltd, which has been the club’s vest sponsor since 2008. The company has also previously sponsored the Junior Sharks, Sharks Physio and currently runs a number of joint community health and wellbeing projects with the Sharks.
B. Braun are particularly excited that The B. Healthy – B. Braun programme will be strengthened during the next three years, the initiative aims to improve the health and wellbeing of children across South Yorkshire. B. Braun together with the Sheffield Sharks visit schools to educate young people about the importance of good nutrition and being active, with pupils offered professional tuition in either dance or basketball as part of the scheme.
B. Braun Medical Ltd, which has its headquarters at Thorncliffe Park, in Sheffield, is one of the world’s leading providers and manufacturers of healthcare solutions. Its growing portfolio of effective medical care solutions make a substantial contribution towards protecting and improving people’s health, including its global programme ‘B. Braun for Children’ creating perspectives for future generations.
Hans Hux, Group Chief Executive of B. Braun Medical Ltd and Life Vice President of the Sharks, said: “B. Braun has been proud to support the Sheffield Sharks over the last ten years and this latest major deal reinforces our long-term commitment to backing the club in their quest for further success in the BBL.
“The Sharks are a fantastic, community-based club which does a tremendous amount of work to encourage healthy living, particularly amongst young people across Sheffield. It is this shared passion for wellbeing which makes them a perfect fit for B. Braun. The school children we support through these initiatives are key – they are the future and we want them to understand how lifestyle behaviours, diet and exercise can impact on someone’s life.
“We are hugely excited for the start of the new season and, with our backing, we hope the club can bring even more sporting silverware back to Sheffield.”
The B. Braun Sheffield Sharks will play home games at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre for the 2019-20 season.
Sharks Chairman Yuri Matischen said: “B. Braun Medical Ltd and the Sharks are a perfect match and we are extremely proud to announce the company as our new naming rights sponsor.
“Our longstanding relationship over the last decade has contributed to much success for the club and we are confident this latest major deal will bring our organisations even closer and lead to even more success on and off the court.”
Head Coach Atiba Lyons said: “It is fantastic to have the support of B. Braun Medical Ltd – a top Sheffield company which has been an incredible supporter of the Sharks over recent years. We are excited for the new season and can’t wait to get going.”
The Sharks are one of the most decorated teams in BBL history, boasting 14 different titles.