The Malta Basketball Association and Bank of Valletta yesterday announced they had reached an agreement that sees the bank extending its sponsorship of the KO competitions by another three years.

During a press conference at the BOV head office in Sta Venera, it was revealed that the new deal will run up to the end of season 2011/2012, going on to tie relations between the two parties well past a third successive decade.

MBA secretary general Frank Camilleri was present for the signing of the document and the draws along with the sporting organisation's financial controller, Stephen Muscat.

Muscat said the new BOV deal will be a boost to the game and the mini-basket programme which helps to promote the sport among newcomers, particularly school children.

The BOV-MBA agreement will also cover the FIBA European 'C' tournament which will be held in Malta next year. The Maltese national team will compete with seven other sides in this category.

During yesterday's presentation, journalists were also told that an award for the most valuable player will be introduced in all three KO competitions this season. The award will go to the best players according to performances and spirit of Fair Play.

In Division One, big guns Athleta Compleet and BUPA Luxol were pitted against each other in the semi-finals. Luxol are the holders of the KO after beating Athleta in last season's final.

Depiro Mtarfa play St James Hospital in the other tie. The final will be played on March 31.

Hibs Medsea start their women's KO title defence with a match against Athleta while Luxol and Depiro clash in the other semi-final.

The draw

Division One:
March 13 - Athleta vs Luxol. March 14 - Depiro vs St James. Final - March 31.

Division Two:
February 26 - Hamiyide vs Qormi. February 27 - Mellieħa vs Floriana. Final - March 14.

Women's KO:
March 19 - Luxol vs Depiro. March 20 - Hibs vs Athleta. Final - March 28.