Leading Chinese PC maker Lenovo Group Ltd Tuesday signed up as the "Official PC Partner" of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

The deal, which establishes a long-term marketing partnership, was announced in Beijing. It is the latest bid by the world's third-largest PC manufacturer to raise brand awareness through sports events.

Mark Fisher, managing director of the NBA's Beijing office, said: "Lenovo is our first complete partner in China and the United States, two of our most important markets."

As the NBA's "Official PC Partner," Lenovo will be able to use the NBA brand and player images in its marketing campaigns and TV commercials. Meanwhile, the NBA will use Lenovo products, while its official website and TV channel will promote the Lenovo brand.

As part of the partnership, the NBA will also introduce the Lenovo Stat during the 2006-07 NBA season. The Stat showcases the best combination of players on the court for every NBA game. It will be available on the NBA's official website and TV channel at the end of each game.

According to the deal, Lenovo will use its Thinkpad, ThinkCentre and Lenovo3000 notebook and desktop PCs in all 30 NBA arenas to record data and statistical information for all of the season's 1,300 NBA games. Meanwhile, NBA referees will also use Lenovo PCs to review videos of their calls.