Indian Wells, Mar 19 (IANS): The BNP Paribas bank has announced that it will continue as official sponsor of the Indian Wells tennis tournament in California until 2023, making it the longest sponsor of the event in its history.

CEO of BNP Paribas in the United States, Jean-Yves Fillion, on Sunday said the tournament has been growing in a big way, reports Efe.

On Sunday, it ended with an attendance of 18,347 spectators on its final day -- a record for the championship -- and 450,502 in total.

"We are excited to continue this great partnership. You know, we are looking always to expand, continue to grow, and make this event a world-class event, and to have your partnership means the world to us," said Tommy Haas, tournament director at Indian Wells.

The bank's commitment to tennis goes beyond the courts and includes several social, educational, charitable activities and an annual scholarship of $15,000 to two students from the Coachella Valley, and is expected to add a third student by 2019.