FIBA has partnered with Sanrio, one of the leading companies in the merchandising business and used the Official Mascot of the Championship, Bad Badtz Maru, to create a range of 350 items which are sold in 500 outlets across Japan.

Across Asia the merchandise is available through PPW (Promotional Partners Worldwide), and elsewhere Fans can buy through the FIBA on-line store.

This is the first ever merchandising program and e-business of the International Basketball Federation for a FIBA World Championship.

"We are delighted of being able to offer to the basketball fans around the globe the first ever FIBA-line of products for our FIBA World Championship," said FIBA Secretary General Patrick Baumann. "This will not only enlarge our business portfolio but will also help us to further promote the FIBA brand."

"Sanrio is very proud to enter a agreement with one of the leading sports federations in the world. We want to assist FIBA to develop the market and the enormous potential not only in the strong markets, but also in the many markets FIBA is present." Said Sanrio Far east Managing Director, Andy Toyama.