Bank of Maldives (BML), the country’s leading financial institution, has announced a landmark five-year partnership with the Maldives Basketball Association (MBA), aimed at strengthening basketball development across the nation through enhanced infrastructure and competitive opportunities.
Under this long-term agreement, BML will play a pivotal role in the establishment of a state-of-the-art indoor basketball arena, envisioned to become the central hub for training national athletes and hosting major sporting events. The facility is expected to significantly raise the standard of the sport in the Maldives, providing local talent with access to a professional-grade venue.
In addition to infrastructure investment, the partnership includes BML’s sponsorship of the Maldives’ two flagship basketball competitions—the National Basketball League and the National 3×3 League. These leagues serve as crucial platforms for scouting and grooming emerging talent and have seen a surge in popularity among youth and sports enthusiasts in recent years.
Mohamed Shareef, CEO and Managing Director of Bank of Maldives, underscored the importance of nurturing athletic talent through strategic collaborations. “As a bank committed to empowering youth and promoting sports, we are proud to partner with the Maldives Basketball Association” Shareef said. “Basketball continues to gain momentum across the islands, and we believe this partnership will unlock new opportunities for our athletes to compete and grow, both locally and internationally”.
Echoing this sentiment, MBA President Ahmed Adam described the collaboration as a significant milestone for the sport. “We are thrilled to join hands with Bank of Maldives, a true champion of youth and sports development. With this partnership, we aim to expand access, improve performance, and propel Maldivian basketball to new heights” he stated.
This latest initiative forms part of BML’s broader corporate social responsibility strategy, which focuses on inclusive community development, youth empowerment, and long-term sustainability. The bank has consistently supported various sports programs across the country, reinforcing its role as a key driver of national progress beyond the banking sector.
As the Maldives continues to invest in sports infrastructure and youth programs, the BML-MBA alliance is poised to inspire the next generation of basketball stars and strengthen the country’s sporting legacy.