Tennis: BNP Paribas named title sponsors of WTA Championships for the next five years

THE Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Championships on Tuesday announced BNP Paribas as title sponsors for the next five editions that will be held in Singapore, the French bank continuing its partnership with the prestigious season finale.

While figures for the sponsorship were not disclosed, the partnership spans five years, exceeding the three-deal at the Istanbul edition of the event from 2011 to 2013.

BNP Paribas is no stranger to tennis, having been partners of the sport for more than four decades.

"We are excited and extremely proud to once again name BNP Paribas as the title sponsor of our WTA Championships," said CEO and chairman of the WTA Stacey Allaster.

"For more than 40 years, the BNP Paribas Group has promoted tennis in all its form through the world. With BNP Paribas on board, combined with all the new elements planned for this year's tournament, I'm sure (this year's) WTA Championships will be the best in the WTA's history."

Said Pierre Veyres, chief executive (BNP Paribas Singapore branch) and regional head of Southeast Asia: "Our title sponsorship... reflects our continued commitment to the sports community across continents with the hope to connect this region to the rest of the tennis world."

The Oct 17-26 will be held at the new $1.3 billion Singapore Sports Hub, making it the first time the event will be held in Asia Pacific for the first time. The US$6.5 million (S$8.24 million million) event will be expanded into a 10-day extravaganza that includes activities for fans, as well as Rising Stars and Legends tournaments on the sidelines.

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