Hong Kong basketball players eye adequate insurance after sponsorship deal
Sun Life inject HK$10 million-plus and hold talks to help players who incurred heavy bills under association’s previous medical insurance
Hong Kong basketball has netted a multimillion-dollar sponsorship deal – and the agreement is expected to add insurance provision, following a series of crises when players representing the city were left footing medical bills.
A partnership with Canadian financial services company Sun Life will bring a cash injection of more than HK$10 million (US$1.29 million), intended to improve support for players and fund community activities to promote the sport in the city, the Basketball Association of Hong Kong, China (BAHKC) announced on Wednesday.
Sun Life said it was in talks to provide medical and accident insurance, in a potential boost for the city’s representative team. The deal comes months after Hong Kong players faced hefty medical fees when the BAHKC failed to obtain adequate insurance for events overseas.
The three-year collaboration includes providing scholarships for Hong Kong under-18 and under-22 team members who are studying at university, and internships to better prepare players for post-basketball careers. Also planned are men’s and women’s open leagues and more free workshops.
“The majority of the funding will be spent on getting tournaments, getting outreach, getting teams ready,” said Mark Tian, chief agency strategy and growth officer of Sun Life Hong Kong.
