SWBC Introduced as the Team’s First-Ever Presenting Sponsor
SAN ANTONIO (Oct. 15, 2014) – Spurs Sports & Entertainment announced today that its Austin-based NBA Development League team has been renamed the Austin Spurs. Formerly the Austin Toros, the NBA D-League affiliate of the San Antonio Spurs will share the nickname of its parent club. In addition, SWBC, a San Antonio-based financial services company, has been designated as the first-ever presenting sponsor of the Austin Spurs. As part of the multiyear deal, SWBC signage will be prominently displayed on the Austin Spurs court and SWBC will be featured in upcoming digital, social, print, radio, TV and out-of-home campaigns. The new changes to the franchise were unveiled today at a press conference held at the Cedar Park Center and will be reflected during the upcoming season. The Austin Spurs host the Santa Cruz Warriors on Sunday, Nov. 23, in their 2014-15 season home opener.
“The rebranding of the Austin franchise is a terrific opportunity to capitalize on the substantial equity of the Spurs brand,” said Rick Pych, Spurs Sports & Entertainment President of Business Operations. “The name change creates an instantly recognizable link between the two franchises and is a natural progression based on the important role the Austin team plays in the development of young players, general managers and coaches who are on their way to reaching their dream of making it to the NBA.”
The new Austin Spurs primary logo resembles a western-themed belt buckle and prominently features the iconic Spur in the center. It also combines the familiar silver, black and white color palate utilized by the entire Spurs Sports & Entertainment family of teams.
SWBC is a long-standing partner of Spurs Sports & Entertainment in business and community initiatives and has signed on as the first-ever presenting sponsor of the Austin Spurs. SWBC co-founders Charlie Amato and Gary Dudley are part owners of Spurs Sports & Entertainment.
“We are thrilled to expand our relationship with Spurs Sports & Entertainment as the Austin Spurs’ first-ever presenting sponsor,” said Dudley. “It just makes good business sense to us, as we really want to see this entity thrive and be successful.”
“The structure of the model and the way this league works is a win-win for everyone involved,” said Amato. “We are excited to support the organization and know that this commitment to the community will impact the area in a positive way.”
The Austin Spurs will celebrate their 10th anniversary when the 2014-15 season opens next month. In that span, the franchise has a history of developing NBA talent on the court and in the front office. Twenty Austin Spurs players have earned Gatorade Call-Ups to the NBA. Three head coaches have been promoted to NBA coaching positions (Quin Snyder, Brad Jones, Taylor Jenkins) and four previous assistant coaches are currently in other NBA coaching or staff roles (Bryan Gates, Dale Osbourne, Roy Rogers, and Alex Lloyd). Three former general managers (Dell Demps, Danny Ferry, Sean Marks) and two athletic trainers (Dice Yamaguchi, Nixon Dorvilien) have also been elevated to NBA positions. The Austin Spurs have advanced to postseason play five of nine seasons in Austin, winning three division championships and the 2012 NBA D-League title.
Fans can check out the new look Austin Spurs and get the latest news on the team at AustinSpurs.com.