Local property developer SC Global will be presenting sponsors of the BNP Paribas WTA Championships Singapore, in a five-year deal announced Thursday by the Women's Tennis Association (WTA).

This is the first significant involvement from a home-grown company in the US$6.5 million (S$8.2 million) event, which will see the season's top eight singles players and top eight doubles pairs compete at the Singapore Sports Hub from Oct 17-26.

Singapore will host the next five editions of the prestigious year-ender.

Said Simon Cheong, chairman and chief executive officer of SC Global Developments: "As a leading developer of luxury lifestyles and properties, the Championships fits well with our mantra of the ultimate living. The players competing are the best in the world... this also resonates very much with our own ethos.

"We are committed to taking an active role in the sponsorship and look forward to working with our partners at the WTA and (event promoters) World Sport Group to ensure that we can make a meaningful contribution and leave a lasting legacy on the sport in Singapore."

Added Stacey Allaster, chairman and chief executive of the WTA: "SC Global's pursuit of excellence aligns with our ambition to stage the best Championships in WTA history. Equally important, we both share the vision to encourage and inspire children to live a healthy and active lifestyle through participation in sport."

Singapore's edition of the WTA Championships will be an expanded 10-day sporting extravaganza that also includes sideshows such as Rising Stars and Legends event, as well as concerts.