Several Bobcats sponsors this week indicated that they are "sticking with the team" despite the ongoing NBA lockout, according to a front-page piece by Ely Portillo of the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER. The Bobcats "made big strides last season on the business side, selling more season tickets and drawing in more corporate sponsors” in the first full year of Michael Jordan's ownership. The lockout, however, "comes at a challenging time for the Bobcats, who are at a critical juncture in their seven-year Charlotte history," and maintaining the corporate support "could be tough" if the work stoppage extends into next season. Any loss of revenue “would not bode well for the team's momentum.” IEG Sponsorship Report Senior Editor Bill Chipps said, "The teams that are located in smaller markets do face more risk in losing their existing corporate partners. The challenge there is if they do lose their corporate partners, there are fewer people to replace them." Many Bobcats partners indicated that they are "not anticipating any interruption of play." Even if some games are canceled, Time Warner Cable Arena is “still used for many events that get sponsors' names in front of audiences.” TWC Dir of Communications Dan Ballister said, "We haven't really given the NBA lockout much thought at this point. Regardless of what happens, we've got great visibility at the arena, and the Time Warner Cable brand will continue being seen at events." Sports Business Group President David Carter said, "You have some very positive momentum in that market, and you hate to think that ... you have to sit idly by and erase some of that goodwill" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 7/21).
DON'T WORRY, ABOUT A THING: Bulls Exec VP/Business Operations Steve Schanwald yesterday urged fans "not to fear if the NBA lockout cancels the 2011-12 season.” Schanwald: “None of our fans will lose money. If there is no season, we will refund their money with interest.” The “same goes for corporate sponsors, suite renters and advertisers.” Schanwald said, “As long as we are in business, we will treat our season-ticket holders, our sponsors and other supporters fairly” (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 7/21).
