A unique new sporting events partnership
The French National Basketball League and Disneyland Paris launch
the Disneyland Paris Leaders Cup LNB
Paris, 31 May 2012. The French National Basketball League has joined Disneyland Paris in signing a
never‐before‐seen partnership concerning the creation of the Disneyland Paris Leaders Cup LNB.
This new sporting challenge will take place in 2013 – on 15, 16 and 17 February. It will see the
country’s top eight basketball teams competing at Europe’s number one tourist destination.
The French National Basketball League has spent much of last year reconsidering its competitions
and events – the objective being to better align them with the expectations of its audience (the
majority of which comprises families). Seeking to create a mid‐season event accessible to the
majority of supporters from all clubs, the league turned to Disneyland Paris.
That collaboration has led to the upcoming Disneyland Paris
Leaders Cup LNB, an event that will be jointly organised by the
Ligue Nationale de Basket and Disneyland Paris. It will also
guarantee audiences a perfect blend of sport and entertainment.
Eight teams will qualify for the cup during the away matches of
the PROA French championship. They will then be invited to
participate in the three‐day Disneyland Paris Leaders Cup LNB
challenge. The event will be hosted at the Disney Events Arena – a facility located in the heart of
Disney Village and just a few metres away from the Disney theme parks. The arena is specially
designed to host events and it will be modified to welcome more than 5,000 spectators.
‘We share certain values with Disneyland Paris, such as friendliness, openness and entertainment,’
says Alain Beral, President of the LNB. ‘From a general point of view, we both aim to attract families
who like to share emotional moments. Through this long‐term partnership we will offer a unique
experience – sport at the highest level and family entertainment in a unique European venue
recognised for setting the standard in hospitality and leisure.’
Philippe Gas, Disneyland Paris Chief Executive Officer stated, ‘This partnership highlights another
aspect of our savoir‐faire, as creators of major events. Disneyland Paris has two convention centres,
8,000 hotel rooms and a team of over 200 people dedicated to the organisation of events. That
makes us the best place to host major sports events and welcome business tourists.’
About the Ligue Nationale de Basket
The French National Basketball League was created on 27 June 1987. It hosts the men’s Pro A and
Pro B professional championships that have become a ‘must’ in the annual basketball calendar.
Equally exciting are the LNB’s other events such as the Match des Champions, the All Star Game, the
LNB Finals and the Trophée du Futur (for promising young players). Each of these exciting events
offer audience members the chance to enjoy all the thrills and spills of professional basketball. The
Disneyland Paris Leaders Cup LNB fits perfectly into the LNB events calendar.
When it comes to licensees, basketball is the nation’s number two team sport. When it comes to
spectators, however, it is the county’s number one indoor team sport. With the LNB and its clubs
attracting over 1.5 million spectators each year, basketball is above all an extremely popular sport.
Website: www.lnb.fr
http://www.facebook.com/pages/LNB‐Page‐officielle/123784604327470
http://twitter.com/LNBofficiel
About Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is Europe’s leading tourist destination, with more than 250 million visits since
its opening in 1992, and over 14,500 Cast Members working onsite. Its employees perform
more than 500 different roles, positions and professions, represent more than 100 nationalities
and speak twenty languages. Disneyland Paris is the number one private employer of its
home region (Seine-et-Marne) and the number one single-site employer in the Paris region
(Ile-de-France). In addition to its direct jobs, Disneyland Paris has a significant economic
impact with its activity generating 56,000 direct and indirect jobs in France.
For further information, please visit: http://corporate.disneylandparis.fr
Discover www.disneylandparis‐generations.com
www.facebook.com/disneylandparis
www.youtube.com/disneylandparis
PRESS CONTACTS:
Ligue Nationale de Basket
Arnaud SEVAUX
Service Presse et Media
01 53 94 27 59
Disneyland Paris
Laëtitia Raphalen
Corporate Communication
01 64 74 57 18
http://twitter.com/Disney_ParisFR