GAC, a global provider of shipping, logistics and marine services, has been named the “Official Logistics Partner” of the National Basketball Association (NBA) Houston Rockets for their 45th season.

    The deal marks GAC’s first foray into basketball and its first sports sponsorship in the United States. Internationally, GAC is already an active sponsor and supplier of specialist logistics for sports like football, sailing, golf and motor racing. The company is also a broadcast sponsor of the FA Cup on ESPN STAR Sports in Asia.

    “Due to its huge following, both in the U.S. and around the world, basketball is a natural addition to the GAC sports portfolio,” says Lars Heisselberg, GAC Group Vice President – Americas. “Basketball is all about teamwork, timing, dexterity, precision and smart moves – all the qualities that GAC’s customers look for in a logistics partner.”

    Established in 1967, the Rockets made Houston their home from the 1971-72 NBA Season, and under the ownership of Leslie Alexander, they gave the city its first two major professional sports titles when they won back-to-back NBA Finals in 1994 and 1995. The team also reached NBA Finals in 1981 and 1986.

    Tad Brown, Houston Rockets and Clutch City Sports & Entertainment CEO, adds: “We look forward to our partnership with GAC, a company aligned with our organization’s position as an international sports marketing property, and based here in Houston, Texas, the energy capital of the world.”

    Energy Focus

    The sponsorship supports GAC’s steady expansion across the Americas and the Caribbean from the industry hub, Houston, from where – among others - it offers integrated logistics services to support the core oil and gas industry. Testament to that fact is the establishment last year of GAC Energy & Marine Services LLC (GEMS) to meet the exacting demands of the energy sector.

    Heisselberg adds: “Next year marks a decade since GAC entered the United States market. Having established our roots in Houston, we see our support of the Rockets as an ideal platform to underline our strategic focus in the region.”

    As the “Official Logistics Partner”, GAC will enjoy brand visibility at all home games played by the Rockets at Toyota Center in Houston. Sponsorship also opens up business networking opportunities through the Rockets Partner Forum.
 

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