The team reached the NBB playoffs and fought against the strong Bauru for a spot in the quarterfinals and, despite failing to advance, left the competition filling their fans with pride.
In 2020, the agreement between the parties was only confirmed in late August, the limit for the team to guarantee participation in the NBB. This year, the deal is announced earlier, but the negotiations were already well underway due to the desire of KTO, a company based in Malta, to continue with the partnership.
“The initial idea was fulfilled, which was not to leave basketball in Rio Grande do Sul out of the main national competition. Reaching the playoffs was a bonus and a welcome surprise. It was possible to see the identity of the team and the commitment of the athletes, who managed to overcome them because they didn't have as much time as the others to train and dealing with the bubble system, which made them live in a hotel for a long time. We had these difficulties and I understand that the goals were not only achieved, but surpassed in sporting terms,” says Cássio.
“In terms of visibility for the brand, it was really cool. We could see the engagement and be able to help basketball in Caxias. At the same time, we have not yet been able to measure with a full Vascão stadium. We're sponsoring a team that didn't play a game inside its gym. This season we want to solidify and increase these ties with Caxias Basquete,” added Filter.
The early confirmation of the partnership allows KTO/ Caxias Basquete to have more time for the organization. Coach Rodrigo Barbosa and the club's management work with unprecedented tranquility before each NBB. With the main support guaranteed, the team can seek new investments for the season and confirmation from other sponsors who were already with the team in the previous edition.
“After the season ended, Rodrigo sought us out to have our position as soon as possible in order to be able to plan. The purpose of this earlier announcement is precisely for the team to make this programming, to go after potential partners. This helps in the team's planning, both from a sporting and structural point of view,” explains Filter.
Reflections for the brand
The 2020/2021 edition of the NBB is expected to have two changes from last season. First, the end of the bubble system in fixed venues, with games going back to being played in the principals' gyms. In addition, with the advance of vaccination in Brazil, there are great chances of having fans in the stands again during the matches, which will also be a differential for the sponsor.
“It's a great possibility to be able to interact with people and show our brand, promote basketball in Caxias do Sul. Due to the dimension that the brand has gained, we have several influencers, public people and radio shows on various channels that can be our partners for further publicize basketball. Having the fans is something that will allow KTO to be closer to the people at Serra,” admits KTO’s manager.
Filter recognizes the relevance of TV and internet games broadcasts, but values local contact: “It is very interesting to have the brand's exposure on ESPN, which broadcast matches against São Paulo, Corinthians and Flamengo, it is important for us. But the main thing is to be close to Caxias. We know the value of this exhibition, but the identification with Serra and Rio Grande do Sul and makes all the difference.”
The new contract signed with KTO presents improvements for Caxias Basquete, with details kept confidential by the parties. The sponsor does not hide the desire to see the team going even further, but does not put this as a condition for the partnership's continuation. Filter and the company understand that the serious way in which the project is handled matters most.
“I know that each one of them will do their best. The entire board and staff of the commission have been committed to this cause for decades. There are expectations, but the fact of renewing is not linked to reaching such a stage,” concluded KTO’s manager.
Source: GauchaZH / GMB
