MANILA — From the PBA, Tanduay takes its rich basketball tradition to the NBA.

The rum company signed a deal with the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center, becoming the first Philippine brand to enter into a partnership with the professional basketball league.

The deal has designated Tanduay, which had participated in the PBA for 16 seasons before disbanding in 2001, as the official rum of the Nets and its home building Barclays, as well as the presenting sponsor of the venue’s 40/40 CLUB & Restaurant.

Owned by Lucio Tan's Tanduay Distillers Inc., Tanduay will also be an associate sponsor of the Barclay Center’s Brooklyn Show platform, and will have signage integrated throughout the venue.

“Tanduay is very proud to be part of this historic partnership, the first of its kind for a Filipino company,” says Lucio Tan, Jr., President of Tanduay.

“Like Brooklyn, Tanduay shares a unique spirit and dynamic character that is anything but ordinary. Tanduay and Brooklyn are a natural fit, and we look forward to building our legacy together.”

Tanduay will host on Sunday a post-game party and concert at Barclays Center’s 40/40 CLUB & Restaurant, following the Nets-New York Knicks game to tip off the partnership.

“We are excited to partner with Tanduay Rum as Barclays Center and the Brooklyn Nets continue to go global,” said Brett Yormark, CEO of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment in NBA.com.

“Partnering with Tanduay is a valuable opportunity to welcome an emerging international business into our arena that will enhance the overall experience of our fans.”

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