Istanbul to host THY Euroleague 2017 Final Four

Istanbul, again, will host the best four Turkish Airlines Euroleague teams from May 19 to 21, Euroleague Basketball announced on Tuesday. Istanbul, which already witnessed two of pro basketball's most spectacular season-ending shots ever, will have the same opportunity next year and host the best four teams in Europe again with an event that will be hosted by Turkish Airlines (THY), title sponsor of the competition, from May 19 to 21, 2017. Euroleague, known as the Turkish Airlines Euroleague for sponsorship reasons, is the highest level tier and most important professional club basketball competition in Europe, with teams from up to 18 countries, members of FIBA Europe, a zone within International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

THY, national flag carrier of Turkey, and Euroleague Basketball signed a 15 million euros worth agreement on 26 July 2010 to sponsor the top European basketball competition across the globe. According to the agreement, starting with 2010-11 season, the top European basketball competition was named Turkish Airlines Euroleague Basketball, and Euroleague Final Four was named Turkish Airlines Euroleague Final Four. The aforementioned five-year partnership agreement had an option of extending it to an additional five. Turkish Airlines and Euroleague Basketball agreed to extend their partnership up until 2020 on October 2013.

This occasion will contribute to the already long-term relationship begun at the start of this decade between Euroleague Basketball and Turkish Airlines, which had a major role in bringing the world-known Final Four competition back to Turkey.

The agreement guaranteeing the realization of the Euroleague 2017 Final Four in Istanbul was announced at a signing ceremony and press conference held with the participation of Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee Mehmet İlker Ayacı and Euroleague Basketball President and CEO Jordi Bertomeu on Tuesday in Istanbul.

Jordie Bertomeu, saying that basketball has seen outstanding growth in Turkey in recent years, while Istanbul already has a "Final Four tradition," he stressed that they are excited that the crowning of the Euroleague champion will be held in Istanbul in May 2017. "We will return to the Sinan Erdem Dome, one of the finest arenas anywhere in which to watch basketball and the perfect venue to culminate a season in Which fans will see all the stars in their own cities for the first time in history. With the way Turkish fans continue embracing the Euroleague more and more each year, it will be great to have them with us for the very biggest games at the Final Four", he added.

Ilker Ayci said that they highly treasure their partnership with Euroleague Basketball because it has allowed them for many years to be a part of a great sport. "This year we are even more proud to be the title sponsor of this championship, since the Final Four will actually take place in our city of birth and global hub, Istanbul. We are sure that the international atmosphere and innovative traits of our city will add an extra touch of innovation and thrill to such an amazing event. Furthermore, every year we commit to ideating, together with Euroleague Basketball, new and exciting ways to deliver a sporting experience that truly goes beyond expectations to all basketball fans and travelers", he added.

The 2017 Final Four will take place for the second time at the Sinan Erdem Dome, which officially opened its doors on April 16, 2010 and two years later played host to a memorable Final Four that was one of the most successful in Euroleague history.