THE National Basketball League has landed a whopper of a sponsorship deal with Hungry Jack’s getting on board as naming rights partner of the rejuvenated competition.

The restaurant chain first signed as the NBL’s major backer in 1987 when the Brisbane Bullets won the title and are back for the competition’s 40th season, which gets under way tonight when Adelaide host Melbourne United.

NBL Owner and Executive Chairman Larry Kestelman said it was a coup to have Hungry Jack’s back in the basketball family.

“To have a brand like Hungry Jack’s once again become our naming-rights partner is a significant moment for the NBL and a huge endorsement of the growth and direction of the league,” Kestelman said.

“This is an exciting time for the NBL. We start our 40th season tonight, we have just welcomed home the Sydney Kings from their pre-season game against Utah Jazz and over the coming days Melbourne United will take on Oklahoma City Thunder and Brisbane Bullets against Phoenix Suns in the NBA pre-season in a first for Australian basketball.

“Last year we saw record crowds attend NBL games across Australia and there are now over one million Australians playing basketball.

“There has never been a better time for Australian basketball and the NBL and it’s great to have Hungry Jack’s back on board to share this exciting journey.’’

The Hungry Jack’s logo will feature on player jerseys, in and around venues and the company will be closely associated with Heritage Month in January.

Securing a big naming-rights sponsor is another feather in the cap of Kestelman and his team who have made the NBL relevant again with Fox Sports broadcasting every game and the Bullets returning to the competition last year.

Hungry Jack’s Chief Marketing Officer Scott Baird said the deal was a win-win for both parties.

“Basketball is a thriving, high-energy sport with committed and loyal fans … we are excited to share and connect the NBL fan base with the Hungry Jack’s community through a truly national partnership,” Baird said.