By Ivan Saldajeno
PASAY--In a first for both firms, the PBA and Herbalife announced their new partnership at the Parmigiano Pizzeria Ristorante inside Resorts World Manila on Saturday.
The partnership, which will entice all the 12 member clubs of the league to have the product as their nutritional boost, came in time for the ongoing Commissioner's Cup Finals and the upcoming Governors' Cup.
"We actually wanted into get to the PBA even before," Herbalife Philippines general manager Bong Villanueva said, baring past plans of a partnership with the league. "What we did was to talk to them and to share to them what we're doing for nutrition. We sat down and said, 'How can we come up with a partnership?' And we did because good nutrition is needed for our players."
Saying that this is an initial plan for further awareness of Herbalife products, Villanueva also mulled at plans of venturing to a partnership with the other premier play-for-pay leagues, the PSL and the UFL, and even the collegiate sports leagues.
"With our partnership with the PBA, this will open to a lot of opportunities for other sports. Good nutrition really is needed by athletes," he continued.
Herbalife's Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Asia-Pacific William Rahn added, “We are proud to be the PBA’s Official Nutrition Partner. Herbalife has been active worldwide in promoting good nutrition and healthy, active lifestyle. We sponsor more than 190 world-class athletes, teams and events around the globe, including Cristiano Ronaldo, the LA Galaxy and more champions in many other sports.”
On behalf of the PBA, outgoing commissioner and incoming CEO Chito Salud said, “The PBA is proud to have Herbalife as part of our growing family. The company has remained a dominant force in the global market with its nutrition, energy and fitness supplements and personal care products. We, in the PBA, truly believe this partnership will have a formidable impact.”
Highlighting the said event are appearances by NLEX's Mark Cardona, GlobalPort's Terrence Romeo, and Kia's Alex Nuyles.