Basketball associations offer a slew of opportunities for positive exposure for your business. In addition to members of the national basketball league who work within the industry in some capacity, you will have opportunities to be recognized by other basketball association members, including businesses and educational institutions that support the athletics group.

Affiliation with a fantasy basketball league provides lobbying and networking opportunities that can be immensely helpful to your own business interests while you support the industry. Membership in a national basketball association often means access to information and contacts that can be important to your own company. A regional basketball association offers even more chances to network with local business and industry leaders in your community. Use your membership in national basketball league organizations in a number of different ways.

1. Expand your network through a national basketball association

2. Support the industry by participating in a professional basketball association

3. Stand out as a leader in a basketball association

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Develop business contacts in a basketball council

Basketball organizations hold regular meetings, seminars and conventions for members and interested parties. At these national basketball association events, as well as through various committees in which you can participate, you'll have numerous occasions to socialize and network with other business people who support and work with the fantasy basketball league group. The business leaders you meet could offer a number of trade opportunities for you and your company.

I recommend: The World Basketball Association is a fantasy basketball league where you can play with other business people and practice your winning skills. The National Wheelchair Basketball Association is a huge basketball association that supports and encourages disabled athletes.

Show your interest by joining basketball associations

Especially if you hope to do business with any coaches, players or other peripheral basketball related companies in any kind of capacity, you will want to express your support as well as meet national and local leaders in the industry. You often can do this best by participating in a basketball group with both your presence and your financial support.

I recommend: The United States Specialty Sports Association holds national conventions and other opportunities to network with other professionals in the industry. The United States Basketball Association supports both boys and girls in the sport.

Set yourself up as an industry expert at basketball organizations

To stand out as an expert and further your own business interests, you need to be recognized by your peers. Most basketball associations present opportunities to impress your peers through speaking engagements, training seminars and writing opportunities. Start in a committee and volunteer to speak or write for the group until you develop a reputation that other members of the basketball group recognize.

I recommend: The Amateur Athletic Union is the premier organization for girls’ basketball nationwide. Besides coaching and fundraising opportunities to shine, there are a number of volunteer spots you can fill both locally and nationally. Support Youth Sports America while it gets off the ground. Working with a relatively new little league basketball group to find many chances to stand out.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Join a committee in basketball associations to develop closer relationships with others who could be helpful to your business.