Gatorade is this season’s sponsor of the Malta Basketball Association (MBA) Senior Men’s League.

MBA President Magistrate Antonio Mizzi made this announcement yesterday at the Ta’ Qali Basketball Pavilion. The MBA president also revealed that the League is being run on a new and improved system.

He said: “Beginning this season, we are introducing new changes in line with the association’s policy of updating the competition structures from time to time to create further interest in the senior competitions. We would like to thank Simonds Farsons Cisk for its longstanding support to the MBA and basketball through the sponsorship with Kinnie.” He augured that the new league sponsor, Gatorade, will help both entities to develop further.

Magistrate Mizzi also thanked the referees association, yesterday represented by the president Jean Paul Sammut. They have accepted reduced rates this season as for the first time ever, three officials, not the usual two, are controlling the matches.

The MBA president also said that this season’s attendances had shown a considerable 45 per cent increase.

The Gatorade Senior Men League started two weeks ago and will run until May next year. All games will be played at Ta’ Qali Basketball Pavilion.

Alison Schembri, Gatorade Brand Manager at Farsons, said the company was glad to be associated once again with the Basketball Association. “Farsons looks forward to continue a rewarding relationship with MBA,” she said.

MBA general secretary Frank Camilleri explained the changes. He said: “The new system will be set in three phases. In Phase One all men’s teams will play against each other on a two round system.

“In Phase Two the first, second and third placed teams will play against each other on a two round system – Championship Pool. Fourth, fifth and sixth placed teams will play each other on a two round system – Relegation Pool. Only the points (not baskets) will be carried forward from Phase One.

“The points in this phase will be awarded as follows: two (2) points will be awarded for a win and zero (0) points for a lost game. Last placed team in the Relegation Pool will be relegated to Division Two in the next season 2007/2008.

“Phase Three will see the first and second placed teams from Phase Two, who will play against each other on a best out of three games. Winner of Phase Three will be declared Champion for Season 2006 – 2007.