NBA Star Helps Unveil Community-Focused Sports Facility
On June 9, 2025, NBA superstar and Betano global ambassador Giannis Antetokounmpo inaugurated a newly refurbished public basketball court in Rio de Janeiro’s upscale Leblon district. The project, spearheaded by the sports betting operator Betano, aims to promote grassroots basketball while enhancing community sports infrastructure in Brazil.
The renovated court, located at Praça Claudio Coutinho, features:
✔ A high-quality playing surface with improved safety and durability
✔ Custom artwork by Brazilian street artist Neto 78, including a mural of Antetokounmpo
✔ Modernized sporting facilities for local players
During the opening ceremony, the Milwaukee Bucks forward signed the court, unveiled a commemorative plaque, and watched a friendly match played by The Payback, a local basketball group.
Betano’s Expanding Commitment to Brazilian Sports
The court renovation is part of Betano’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in Brazil, where it already sponsors major football leagues, including:
Campeonato Brasileiro Série A
Copa do Brasil
Guilherme Figueiredo, Betano’s Country Manager in Brazil, emphasized the company’s long-term vision:
“We want to be a major supporter of national sports, whether through sponsorships, the construction of public sports spaces, or social transformation initiatives through sport.”
This initiative aligns with Brazil’s growing sports betting market, which has seen increased investment from operators following the legalization of fixed-odds betting in 2023.
Giannis Reflects on His Roots & Inspires Future Talent
Antetokounmpo, who grew up playing on public courts in Greece, spoke about the importance of accessible sports facilities:
“My journey started on courts like this. I hope this space helps young athletes in Rio chase their dreams.”
His involvement as Betano’s ambassador since 2023 adds star power to the operator’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts, blending sports development with brand visibility.
Betano’s Global Expansion in Sports Sponsorships
Beyond Brazil, Betano has been aggressively expanding its sports partnerships worldwide, including:
A three-year deal with Danish football club Brøndby IF (May 2025), marking its first Scandinavian sponsorship
Existing partnerships with Greek and Cypriot football teams
This strategy highlights Betano’s push to establish brand loyalty in regulated markets while supporting grassroots sports development.
A Win for Rio’s Basketball Community
The Leblon court is now open for public use, providing a safe and modern space for local players. Similar projects could follow as Betano looks to scale its community investments in key markets.
Conclusion: Betano Scores with CSR & Brand Growth
By combining high-profile ambassadorships with tangible community benefits, Betano is positioning itself as more than just a betting operator—it’s becoming a key player in sports infrastructure development.
As the company continues to expand, its dual focus on sponsorships and social impact could set a new standard for sports betting operators worldwide. Meanwhile, young athletes in Rio now have a world-class facility to hone their skills—potentially nurturing the next generation of basketball stars.
