Korstin: “Thanks to the new Cup format and the artist’s performance, we managed to attract a new audience to the Zenit – UNICS match”

General Director of the VTB United League Ilona Korstin told Match TV about the goals and features of the new intraseason tournament in the league.

The meeting of Group B of the Winline Basket Cup took place on Wednesday in St. Petersburg and ended with the victory of the guests with a score of 91:72. UNICS played its debut game in the tournament.

— In the Cup, we gathered the best Russian teams in terms of sportsmanship and marketing achievements, as well as two foreign ones — Mega and Igokeya. Our tournament has international status; this was initially one of the main goals of the new competition.

The League, together with clubs and partners, uses the experience of the All-Star Game and makes basketball games a highlight for fans. We are working hard to improve the TV picture, improving the light in the arenas. Thus, basketball matches become more attractive and interesting for our viewers.

Today at the Zenit – UNICS match in St. Petersburg, thanks to the performance of a modern artist, judging by the jubilation of the fans at his performance, we managed to attract a new audience. And, although today was a working day, not the most convenient time for a match, and football was going on at the same time, the hall was almost full (5000 spectators – approx.).

If we talk about the basketball component, Zenit now has big problems with its roster due to injuries to its main players. UNICS, in contrast, is now in excellent shape, demonstrating mature and high-quality play.

Alexey Shved is one of the best players in recent years, so his signing is always a big event. Experienced and competent coach Perasovic will find a use for him. This is a deliberate step by the management and coaching staff. All that remains is to wish Alekei good luck and quickly get into the rhythm of the game,” Korstin told Match TV.

Zenit, despite the defeat, ranks first in Group B with three points. UNICS has two points and is in second place.

Watch live broadcasts of tournament matches on TV channels of the Match! family, as well as on the websites matchtv.ru and sportbox.ru.

• UNICS President Bogachev on the victory over Zenit: “We won so confidently because we want to take the Winline Basket Cup trophy”