The history of the partnership between Roland-Garros and BNP Paribas
23.05.2016 | Group
The history between tennis and BNP Paribas began in 1973 in Roland-Garros. For over 40 years, the Group is official sponsor of this global resonance event, which welcomes the most famous stars of tennis.
Tennis courts and tennis courses
Financial support
The official partnership between Roland-Garros and the Banque Nationale de Paris (BNP) started thirty years later in 1973. The French Tennis Federation had its bank account at the Auteuil branch of the BNP and its Chairman Philippe Chatrier wanted to build loggia over the centre court at Roland-Garros. The bank agreed to finance the works. In return, the famous banners at the end of the courts bear the name of the BNP. A BNP automatic teller machine was also installed, the first one being mobile.
Great commitment
Roland-Garros, one of the four tournaments of the Grand Slam, increased its reputation and received world media coverage. BNP, then BNP Paribas in 2000, pursued its partnership loyally. In 2015, the group was the “official sponsor” for the 42nd year. But the connection with tennis has gone deeper and now extends to amateur tennis, disabled sports and tournaments for youngsters. As well as its partnership with Roland-Garros, BNP Paribas entered into partnerships with major competitions like the Bercy Open in 1993 which thereafter became the BNP Paribas Masters (unavailable link), then the Davis Cup in 2001. The group supports numerous competitions abroad – the Fed Cup, the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and the Internazionali BNL d’Italia via the Italian subsidiary BNL
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