MGM Japan sponsors pro basketball team

Casino giant becomes official sponsor of Osaka Evessa and plans to drive awareness of the sport throughout the country

Japan.- MGM Resorts Japan has become the official platinum partner of Osaka Evessa, the popular team that plays in Japan’s professional basketball League.

MGM said the partnership would help promote the sport throughout the country, according to IAG.

 “Through supporting Osaka Evessa, we hope to promote basketball in Japan and help invigorate Osaka’s sporting industry,” Jason Hyland, MGM Resorts Japan CEO, said.

MGM Resorts has a history of partnering with sports teams having previously sponsored Major League Baseball and pro boxer Ryota Murata.

Naoki Yasui, CEO of Human Planning, operator of Osaka Evessa, said: “We have been aiming to create a venue that everyone can enjoy since B League started. We would like to work with the world’s top entertainment companies to develop the basketball community and the local economy in Osaka.”

Osaka Evessa was the first champion of Japan’s “B League” and has won three consecutive titles.