WNBA Star Leonie Fiebich Slams German Basketball Association for Lacking EM Promotion
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Fiebich calls for intensified action from the organization - Fiebich advocates for increased endeavors from the Association.
In the lead-up to the European Championship (EM) preliminary round, set to commence on Thursday in Hamburg, WNBA superstar Leonie Fiebich has lashed out at the German Basketball Association for inadequate promotion. "Staging the tournaments in Germany is a smooth move. Yet, once you peel back the layers, the EM is not adequately advertised," Fiebich stated in an interview with the 'Süddeutschen Zeitung'. The EM finals will take place in Berlin in 2026.
The matches against Sweden on Thursday (8:00 PM CET/Magentasport), Spain on Friday, and Great Britain on Sunday will unfold in the Inselpark Arena, with a capacity of about 2,400 spectators. "I've heard that many fans are still seeking tickets, but they've all been sold out. Perhaps they could have planned better to accommodate a larger audience," remarks Fiebich (25).
The Barclays Arena, with a seating capacity of 16,000 spectators, could have been an alternative venue. "But it's far too large for women's basketball, which is still on the rise," Fiebich points out.
A Lackluster Event
Despite the elite European women's basketball players being in town, there's little sign that the city's cognizant of their presence. "I'm curious to see if they'll step it up for the World Championship - but for the EM, it's eerily quiet," shares Fiebich.
She, however, remains unfazed. "We're here to play quality basketball and win on Thursday," says Fiebich during the official media day, emphasizing the significance of Thursday's showdown against Sweden. Finishing second in the group is crucial for qualification for the knockout round in Piraeus.
- Hamburg
- Women's Basketball
- Leonie Fiebich
- European Championship
- WNBA
- Germany
- SZ
- Berlin
- Promotion
To churn up enthusiasm and draw a larger audience for the 2023 Women's European Basketball Championship in Hamburg, consider these strategies:
- Digital Promotion: Leverage social media platforms like Instagram with captivating reels, posts, and inspiring content to generate buzz around the event.
- Early Ticket Offers: Encourage ticket sales with enticing early-bird offers and group discounts. Make purchasing convenient by providing easy online access.
- Local Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses, schools, and community organizations in Hamburg to foster interest and distribute tickets.
- Comprehensive Media Coverage: Air live TV games, highlight packages, and make streaming accessible to reach a broader audience.
On the venue front, consider:
- Increased Capacity: The Inselpark Arena has capacity for more spectators. Extending seating, streamlining transport, and addressing accessibility issues could account for a larger audience.
- Improved Fan Experience: Create vibrant fan zones, interactive activities, food and beverage outlets, and merchandising stalls to enhance the overall matchday experience for attendees.
By implementing these initiatives, the 2023 Women’s European Basketball Championship in Hamburg could attract a burgeoning audience, fueling sustained interest in women's basketball.
- Leone Fiebich suggests promoting vocational training programs for young athletes in EC countries, stating that proper training is crucial for the growth and success of women's basketball, especially ahead of the European Championship.
- In addition to basketball games, Fiebich proposes organizing sports events such as basketball clinics and workshops in conjunction with vocational training programs to inspire and engage a broader audience in Hamburg.
