One of the world’s largest cryptocurrency and bitcoin mining companies, Bitman’s Antpool, has entered into a sponsorship agreement with popular NBA team Houston Rockets.

A Step Towards Expansion

The partnership signed by both outfits is for the 2018-2019 professional season and will stand out as one of the significant moves by the China-based company towards achieving its expansion goals into the Houston area. At the same time, this joins in the increasing number of similar awareness and publicity programs being experienced by cryptocurrency in recent times, especially in associating with the sporting industry.

According to AntPool overseas operations manager Haijiao Li, there is no better way for his company to continue with its momentum in expanding to the U.S. than partnering with the Houston Rockets. He describes the NBA outfit as most popular team in China — Chinese Hall of Famer Yao Ming played for the Rockets — and a legendary basketball club with global recognition.

“We’re excited to work with AntPool as a conduit in the U.S. for their ever-growing business,” added Rockets vice president of corporate development John Croley. “The Rockets are always looking to stay ahead ofthe curve with technology both on and off the court and AntPool’s prowess with crypto currency makes for agreat partnership.

It is obvious knowledge that the crypto industry is still trying to find its way into the mainstream. This phenomenon requires a lot of awareness and proper education in order to encourage reasonable adoption. Efforts such as these are becoming more popular in the industry and also seem to be delivering expected results.

An Important Development For Crypto

Li acknowledges the increasing number of mainstream cryptocurrency partnerships as an important step towards the conversion of consumers to adopt and understand bitcoin and other digital assets.

“As the cryptocurrency industry around the globe continues to evolve and develop, it is going to be more and more important for companies like AntPool to lead the conversation and conversion of consumers to adopt and understand digital currencies. It is an exciting time, and we welcome Rockets fans and those traveling to Houston to visit our showcase at Toyota Center and learn more about the technology that will change the world.”

Prior to this time, CCN reported similar partnerships by other cryptocurrency companies with a number of sporting outfits both in the field of baseball and football, among other sports. The reason for such partnerships is easy to understand based on the volume of audience that professional sports teams attract. This same philosophy is being applied by companies that partner with celebrities in the entertainment industry.

If there is one thing that the cryptocurrency industry needs now, it is awareness and proper education. Therefore, while individual companies make efforts for their own publicity and expansion, the overall positive impact that they have on the industry at large cannot be overemphasized.