The Hawaii Tourism Authority yesterday announced that the Clippers will hold their '17 training camp at the Univ. of Hawaii, where the team "will play two preseason games," according to Ferd Lewis of the HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER. HTA VP/Marketing & Product Development Leslie Dance said that the Clippers are "expected" to play the Raptors in the exhibition games at Stan Sheriff Center. The HTA said that included in the Clippers' stay will be a Fan Fest "featuring players and coaches." Dance said that the agreement "can be extended for up to three additional years in single-year increments" to run through '20 (HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER, 12/6). In L.A. Katie Murar noted the partnership "will include advertising" at Staples Center, "combining broadcast and online exposure with in-game promotions and utilizing HTA’s #LetHawaiiHappen campaign." The deal began this past Sunday and continues through the rest of the regular season. Hawaii previously has been home to Lakers' training camp, though Dance said that it was "not close in size or scale compared to this campaign" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 12/5). Clippers President of Business Operations Gillian Zucker said that the deal is part of Owner Steve Ballmer's "vision of expanding the team's brand and connecting with NBA fans on the islands" (AP, 12/5).
