Bonn, Germany – The Telekom Baskets Bonn and Deutsche Telekom have announced a significant extension of their long-standing partnership, committing to continue their collaboration through 2028. The agreement, revealed today, underscores a shared dedication to basketball in Bonn and a mutual belief in the club’s continued success.
“We are very pleased to continue working with the Baskets,” said Henning Stiegenroth, Head of Corporate Sponsoring at Deutsche Telekom. “It is characterized by a passion for the sport, the fans, and mutual trust. Through our commitment, we want to give the club planning security and financial stability and help ensure that Bonn remains one of the top addresses in German basketball.”
Simon Pallmann, Managing Director of Telekom Baskets Bonn, echoed that sentiment, stating, “Bonn is basketball! For us, this extension means much more than just planning security. It represents the shared passion for basketball – and for the city where it calls home. Such a partnership allows us to consider long-term, further develop structures, and pursue ambitious goals with prudence. And it shows what is possible when trust has grown over so many years.”
A History of Success
The partnership between Deutsche Telekom and the Telekom Baskets Bonn dates back to 1995, a period marked by consistent growth and achievement for the club. Over the past nearly three decades, the Baskets have established themselves as a prominent force in German basketball, reaching the German Championship final six times – in 1997, 1999, 2001, 2008, 2009, and most recently in 2023 – though falling short of the ultimate title each time. However, the club reached new heights in 2023, securing a historic victory in the Basketball Champions League, becoming the first German team to claim the prestigious European title.
This sustained success isn’t solely measured in championships. Deutsche Telekom’s support extends beyond the professional team, fostering a commitment to grassroots development. The company highlighted its pride in initiatives like “Baskets@school,” a program designed to introduce basketball to young students in the Bonn region and cultivate the next generation of players. The program, launched in 2014, brings professional players into schools for training sessions, aiming to ignite a passion for the sport within the community.
For those unfamiliar with the German basketball landscape, the easyCredit BBL (Basketball Bundesliga) is the top-tier professional league in Germany. The league features 18 teams competing for the championship, with a regular season followed by a playoff tournament. The Telekom Baskets Bonn consistently rank among the league’s contenders, drawing a dedicated fanbase to the Telekom Dome, the club’s home arena with a capacity of 6,000.
Looking Ahead: A Renewed Commitment
Both the Telekom Baskets Bonn and Deutsche Telekom have expressed their intention to deepen their partnership in the coming years. The focus will be on further advancing basketball in Bonn and beyond, with plans to attract new partners and elevate the club to even greater heights. The financial stability provided by this extended sponsorship will be crucial for the Baskets as they navigate the competitive landscape of the easyCredit BBL and continue to represent Bonn on the European stage.
The commitment from Deutsche Telekom isn’t simply a financial investment; it’s a demonstration of the company’s dedication to the city of Bonn, where its headquarters are located. Stephan Althoff, Head of Corporate Sponsoring for Deutsche Telekom, emphasized the company’s desire to create an attractive living environment for its employees, and supporting the Baskets is seen as a key component of that effort.
The Telekom Dome itself is a testament to this partnership. Built with the support of Deutsche Telekom, the City of Bonn, and other stakeholders, the arena is considered one of the most modern basketball venues in Germany, offering a state-of-the-art facility for both professional games and youth development programs.
The extension through 2028 provides a solid foundation for the Telekom Baskets Bonn to build upon their recent successes and continue to be a source of pride for the city of Bonn and German basketball fans alike. The club’s next challenge comes on [Date of next game – needs verification], when they will face [Opponent – needs verification] at the Telekom Dome. Fans can find the latest updates and schedules on the team’s official website: https://www.telekom-baskets-bonn.de/.
