Further proof that Oklahoma City can support and is supporting a major league team. When the NBA put OKC on their short list of expansion cities, they knew what they were doing! I'm flying back to see Philly on the 2nd of December. Can't wait!

5 area companies become team's 'presenting sponsors'


By Steve Lackmeyer
The Oklahoman

Five Oklahoma City-based companies have agreed to an unprecedented "presenting sponsorship" of the NBA Hornets -- a deal being cited as proof the city has the corporate base necessary to support a major league team.


Only the fifth presenting sponsorship signed in NBA history, the partnership between the Hornets and Chesapeake Energy Corp., Devon Energy Corp., Kerr-McGee Corp., MidFirst Bank, and The Oklahoman, is the first in major professional sports history to include five partners in a single presenting sponsorship role.

The exact value of the package was not disclosed.

"Presenting sponsors are a rare commodity on the professional sports landscape, and we are extremely proud to have formed this unprecedented partnership with Chesapeake, Devon, Kerr-McGee, MidFirst Bank and The Oklahoman," Hornets owner George Shinn said.

"The level of support we've received from the local business community has been nothing short of remarkable, and this presenting sponsorship is proof that Oklahoma City and the state of Oklahoma are major league in every sense of the term."

The sponsors, dubbed Pioneer Season Partners, are entitled to premium benefits as part of the overall NBA presentation in the arena. They also include active participation in community relations events such as the NBA's successful "Read to Achieve" education program.

The Pioneer Partners also will sponsor the Hornets' opening night Nov. 1 in the first-ever regular season NBA game at the Ford Center.

Mayor Mick Cornett said the deal is proof that Oklahoma City's corporate base -- always questioned by those skeptical that the city could support a major league team -- is up to the challenge.

"The level we're supporting this team is simply amazing," Cornett said. "I don't think anyone was more optimistic than me, but this has exceeded even my expectation."

Paul Swangard, director of the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center at the University of Oregon, called the deal "unique."

"The Pistons have been known for having a presenting sponsor the last couple years," Swangard said. "And we've had brands presenting preseason and playoffs. But this is breaking new ground."

Swangard said the sponsorships can help the team gain acceptance in a market where their future is uncertain. The Hornets relocated to Ford Center after Hurricane Katrina devastated their hometown of New Orleans, and Shinn has left open the possibility of the team's staying in Oklahoma City or moving back to Louisiana.

"It's an attempt to help the team connect with the community," Swangard said.

Tim Hinchey, the team's senior vice president of corporate development, called the corporate support "beyond impressive."

"These are leadership companies and we believe their presenting sponsorships with the Hornets will be mutually beneficial and send a positive message of Oklahoma City's desire to demonstrate it has the community assets to support the Hornets this year at a major league level," Hinchey said.

Chris Heck, vice president of team sponsorship development for the NBA, was also complimentary.

"The NBA is extremely pleased with how Oklahoma City has embraced the Hornets under difficult and unusual circumstances," Heck said. "By working together, these incredible corporate sponsors have demonstrated their belief in the Hornets and desire to help make the team's stay in Oklahoma City an unquestionable success. The NBA welcomes them to the blue chip roster of outstanding corporate partners across the league."