International basketball fans can expect cheerleaders, live announcers and booming music at the 2008 Beijing Olympics basketball events, since the NBA's style will touch down upon Beijing for the Games.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) agreed yesterday with BOCOG and FIBA to bring its razzmatazz to the Beijing Olympic basketball tournament.

The agreement was signed to improve the atmosphere for athletes and fans alike with court-side entertainment such as dancers, announcers and audio-visual shows.

"It is an important step forward to making this the best Olympic basketball competition ever," said Bob Elphinston, president of FIBA. "China is a very very important member of the international federation and we are honored of the NBA's support."

FIBA's first collaboration with NBA was at the 2004 Athens Olympics.

"We had a very good relationship with the NBA at the last Olympic Games in Athens. Basketball is certainly one of the most popular and successful sports in the Olympic program. Here, in Beijing, we can do even better. We know that the exciting basketball moments will be among the highlights of this Olympiad."

Mark Fischer, managing director of NBA China, pledged a top-level atmosphere.

"We're getting involved now to ensure that various parts of this facility are to world-class standards," said Fischer. "We're very confident that all who come to Beijing during the Olympic Games will be extremely impressed with this facility."

Apart from NBA style elements, Fischer proposed a blend of Chinese cultural elements.

"We will cover all aspects of basketball presentation including court design and layout, production, entertainment and an exchange program to share experiences and train local personnel. The presentation will celebrate Olympic spirit by incorporating elements from the rich Chinese culture as well as aspirations of all participating nations."

The basketball competition will happen at the Wukesong Stadium will host the basketball which met with Fischer's approval.

"The Wukesong basketball arena will not only provide a magnificent setting for the competition, it will also become an NBA-style arena and a destination for sport entertainment for years to come. We will work with BOCOG and FIBA to create a legacy for all to share."

Basketball has become one of the most popular sports in China, especially with national star Yao Ming playing for the Houston Rockets. With their exposure to the NBA on TV, fans are also becoming increasingly expectant about the domestic competition, particularly with regards to in-arena entertainment.

(China Daily April 26, 2007)