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Bobcats President Fred Whitfield talked
with bobcats.com about the new arena naming and television rights agreements.   |
April 8, 2008
Release | Video | Press Conference Transcript
On Tuesday, April 8, 2008, Bobcats Sports & Entertainment (BSE), announced the company has reached a naming rights agreement with Time Warner Cable (TWC) and a television broadcast rights deal with Fox Sports Net South (FSN South). Charlotte Bobcats Arena will become Time Warner Cable Arena, and television carriage of Bobcats basketball games will switch from News14 Carolina to FSN South.
Bobcats President and Chief Operating Officer Fred Whitfield sat down with bobcats.com earlier to discuss the impact of both partnerships.
bobcats.com: Why was Time Warner Cable selected as the naming rights partner for the arena?
Whitfield: From the beginning, Time Warner Cable has been one of our best partners, and for more than a year now we’ve been looking for ways to elevate that partnership and an arena entitlement agreement is just about the highest form a partnership can take. We’re extremely proud to partner with Time Warner Cable on this level.
bobcats.com: What are the primary benefits of having a naming rights partner?
Whitfield: Aside from the important revenue stream it provides our business, partnerships like this really enhance the value of our brand. Not only that, but an arena entitlement partner like Time Warner Cable can really expand opportunities to use this building as a platform for cross-promotions that will increase our exposure.
bobcats.com: Was this the best deal the Bobcats could get?
Whitfield: This deal is unprecedented in major professional sports. No one has ever executed an arena entitlement and broadcast rights partnership in one move like we’ve just done. This is a historic moment – not only for Bobcats Sports & Entertainment but across the sports landscape.
bobcats.com: How does this deal compare to other naming rights deals?
Whitfield: We believe it compares extremely well and is one of the most mutually-beneficial partnerships in sports today. This deal is a win-win situation for Bobcats Sports & Entertainment and Time Warner Cable in terms of value and benefit.
bobcats.com: When will Fox Sports South take over the broadcasts?
Whitfield: Our first game on FSN South will air (tonight) against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
bobcats.com: What does it mean to the business to be on a regional channel like FSN South?
Whitfield: This is a great opportunity to elevate our brand and grow our fan base. FSN South is a leader in the industry, and we’re extremely fortunate to be able to work with them and produce the kind of quality sports content that they’re known for across the region.
bobcats.com: What does this mean for the current television talent on Bobcats broadcasts?
Whitfield: We think Steve Martin, Henry Williams and Stephanie Ready form the best broadcast team in the business. We hope they’ll be part of our team for years to come.
bobcats.com: Do you foresee this broadcast rights deal having an impact on attendance?
Whitfield: Yes, a positive impact. Partnering with FSN South will help us grow our fan base to its highest levels yet, and that will help our attendance figures down the road.
bobcats.com: Do you foresee this broadcast rights deal having an impact on the rest of the business?
Whitfield: Absolutely, the larger our fan base becomes, the more attractive to other potential corporate partners we become. Any time you can align yourself with a partner like FSN South through a broadcast rights agreement you can expect the business to grow.
bobcats.com: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us, and congratulations on the two new deals.
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