Health Insurance Fund of Australia (HIF) has announced a three-year extension of its partnership with the Perth Wildcats, marking a historic 15-year collaboration. This milestone makes it the longest-standing recognized partnership in National Basketball League (NBL) history.
The announcement comes as the Perth Wildcats prepare for a significant pre-season tour in Japan and their participation in HoopsFest, a major basketball event in Perth.
HIF chief executive officer Justin James expressed enthusiasm about the partnership’s continuation, stating, “Partnerships between brands lasting 15 years is incredibly rare. Our enduring relationship is a testament to the consistent alignment we see between HIF as a not-for-profit, West Australian based health fund, putting our members first – and the Wildcats’ ‘Stronger as One’ philosophy engrained with their fans and broader WA community.”
James also praised the Wildcats’ new owner, Mark Arena, highlighting his passion for the team and his role in the club’s future successes. “We couldn’t be prouder and can’t wait for another action-packed season under the stewardship of new owner, Mark Arena, who’s clear passion for the team will no doubt inspire at the club,” James said.
Arena, a West Australian, also recognized the significance of the long-standing partnership. “Both HIF and the Perth Wildcats are community-minded organizations who put their members first with everything they do,” he said.
Arena emphasised HIF’s ongoing commitment to the Wildcats and the community, noting that HIF will once again provide giveaways to fans and members and will serve as the official game-day partner for the NBL Pride Round.
As part of the renewed agreement, HIF will maintain a prominent position on the back of the Wildcats’ playing and training jerseys.
The Wildcats have been one of the most successful teams in NBL history, winning back-to-back championships in 2019 and 2020, and securing a total of 10 titles — more than any other team in the league, according to a news release. The club has also made 37 NBL finals appearances, further highlighting its contributions to Australian basketball.
With a membership base of nearly 10,000, the Wildcats regularly draw over 13,000 fans to their games and boast a social media following of more than 300,000. The team’s 2024/25 season will kick off on Friday, September 20, against the South East Melbourne Phoenix at HoopsFest in Perth.
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