The company had previously exclusively sponsored the Opals, the senior women's national team, since 2010, but will now sponsor the whole women's programme, including the Emerging Opals, under-19 Gems and under-17 girls' national team.

Jayco currently control a recreational vehicle market share of 45 per cent in Australia and employ around 800 members of staff.

"Jayco is a household name with an outstanding reputation; the company has shown incredible generosity towards basketball and a host of other Australian sports," said Basketball Australia chief executive Kristina Keneally.

"In particular, I'd like to acknowledge Jayco's managing director Gerry Ryan for his continued and invaluable support for women's basketball.

"For more than 16 years, Gerry has thrown significant financial backing behind Australian basketball - particularly women's basketball - on top of the substantial personal support he has extended to many players through employment, education and sports science."

Jayco's new deal will see them continue to sponsor the Opals, as well as several other of Australia's female teams

Ryan, who founded Jayco Australia in 1975, added: "We're delighted to continue our involvement with the Jayco Opals and expand our support across the women's programme,"

"I'm extremely proud of this team.

"The Opals have medalled at five Olympic Games, they're a force to be reckoned with at an international level and a number of our athletes are among the best in the world.

"We're pleased to have the Opals as part of the Jayco family, and we look forward to working the entire women's national team program over the coming years."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
May 2013: Australian Opals to be coached by Joyce for Rio 2016