Liga Betclic Celebrates International Women's Day With a Unique Game Ball

Mar. 07, 2025

"Little chicken," "You should play wearing tight clothes," "Women’s sports aren’t entertaining." These are just some of the phrases many female basketball players have heard throughout their careers. To mark International Women’s Day, the female basketball portuguese league, Liga Betclic, will play the upcoming matchdays with a special ball featuring these and other phrases written in heat-sensitive ink. As the game progresses and the players’ hands warm the ball, the phrases will disappear – a symbolic gesture reinforcing the athletes’ resilience. The campaign’s film is already live on the platforms of Betclic and the Portuguese Basketball Federation (FPB), featuring players from all 12 Liga Betclic female clubs.

In 2021, Betclic became the naming sponsor of both the men’s and women’s leagues, investing the same sponsorship amount in both competitions – an unprecedented decision in the world of sports. This equal investment has provided the women’s basketball league with better conditions and increased visibility. The brand’s ongoing commitment to promote gender equality in sports was even recently recognized with the first-ever Gender Equality in Sports Seal, developed by the Portuguese Institute for Sports and Youth (IPDJ) and the Commission for Citizenship and Gender Equality (CIG).

However, skepticism towards women’s sports remains a reality. Most female athletes still struggle to make a living exclusively from their sport, often juggling multiple jobs to sustain their careers. Additionally, challenges such as balancing basketball and motherhood, job instability, and wage disparities continue to impact many players. Inequality is not just about financial support; it also extends to opportunities and recognition.

Tiago Simões, Country Manager at Betclic said:

"We believe that sports should be a space of equality and merit, where talent and effort speak louder than any prejudice. This initiative is another step in highlighting the resilience of female athletes and reaffirming our commitment to Liga Betclic and women’s sports."

 

This year’s initiative further reinforces Liga Betclic and its sponsor’s ongoing commitment to giving visibility to female athletes and their stories. The impact of this campaign goes beyond the game itself, delivering a message to future generations of players, encouraging a shift in mindset, and fostering a fairer and more inclusive sporting environment.

Catia Mota, Director of Marketing, Communication, and Events at the Portuguese Basketball Federation said:

"Women’s basketball in Portugal has grown significantly, and we want to continue providing the best conditions for athletes to develop. However, this campaign highlights a reality that many players face, often beyond the Federation’s reach: the fight for respect and equality both on and off the court."

 

Liga Betclic is Portugal’s premier basketball competition, encompassing both the men’s and women’s leagues.