The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Minnesota Lynx have announced the founding partners for the renovated Target Center.
Founding partners include companies that have formed long-term partnerships with the teams and the arena. Those companies are U.S. Bank, Federated Insurance, Jack Link’s, TCL, and Treasure Island Resort & Casino.
The Target Center recently finished the first phase of its ongoing three-phase renovation, which will be completed by the beginning of the 2017-18 NBA season. For their contributions as founding partners, the companies will receive individualized sponsorship packages that include signage in and outside of the arena.
“We are excited to announce our partnerships with these five outstanding companies,” said Ethan Casson, CEO of the Timberwolves & Lynx. “These Founding Partners embody the same values and like-mindedness, and they are seeking to use their association with us to drive awareness and engagement. We are thrilled to welcome them to our Founding Partner family.”
Along with naming rights partners Target Corporation (Target Center arena) and Mayo Clinic (Mayo Clinic practice facility), each of these companies have made long-term commitments and significant investments in the teams.
“It’s a diverse group consisting of both new and tenured partnerships,” said Casson. “We are looking forward to working with each of them to enhance our fans’ game day experiences night-in and night-out.”
U.S. Bank has been a partner since the Timberwolves & Lynx teams were founded. The partnership has grown over the years and the two organizations share a common approach to work culture and community involvement.
“U.S. Bank’s longstanding partnership with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx is a great source of pride for our organization and the nearly 12,000 employees who live and work in the great state of Minnesota,” said Richard Davis, chairman and CEO, U.S. Bank. “We have a shared vision with the Timberwolves and Lynx in making our community stronger by connecting through culture, recreation and civic pride. We look forward to supporting the teams as they teach generations about competing hard and competing well, and leaving a legacy of success.”
Federated Insurance has been a longtime partner to the teams and both organizations share a commitment to improving the communities in which they live and work, with a focus on helping Minnesota youth.
“Being a Founding Partner of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx is a great source of corporate pride at Federated Insurance,” said Federated Insurance Chairman, President & CEO Jeff Fetters. “Beyond the exceptional employee and client entertainment this high integrity NBA & WNBA franchise provides, we believe it is important to align our Company with this professional organization so committed to giving back to the greater Minnesota community. Minnesota is a better state because the Timberwolves and Lynx have chosen to make their home here.”
Treasure Island Resort & Casino has been a partner for over 15 years and the partnership has recently expanded with their premium level naming rights and the reimagined Club TI space.
“The Prairie Island Indian Community has partnered with the Timberwolves since 1999,” said Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Council President Shelley Buck. “We are excited to see how the relationship has continued to evolve and that we now have a more prominent presence at Target Center with the Treasure Island Resort & Casino Premium Level and Club TI. As a founding partner, we will have more branding presence and the ability to create exciting promotions for the visitors to Target Center. Another key element to the partnership is being more involved in the Timberwolves Community Impact efforts, which closely aligns with the Prairie Island Indian Community’s long history of supporting youth activities, fitness and leadership development.”
Jack Link’s is a brand-new partner for the Timberwolves & Lynx and the teams’ “Official Jerky.” The brand was recently featured in a Timberwolves video announcing the partnership that included both brands’ mascots, and the partnership will continue to involve those types of creative activations.
“On behalf of the entire Jack Link’s family, we are honored to partner with the Minnesota Timberwolves & Lynx organization,” said Jack Link’s Chief Marketing Officer TD Dixon. “The partnership unifies two powerhouse organizations with a shared mission for ongoing success here in Minneapolis and growth around the globe.”
Recently announced partner TCL is the fastest growing TV brand in America and comes on as the “Official TV” of the teams. The Timberwolves & Lynx and TCL also share ties to China, with TCL headquartered there and the Timberwolves having recently brought on the first Chinese citizen minority owner in Lizhang Jiang.
“Being a Founding Partner of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx is quite an honor. TCL is proud to be a part of such an esteemed and diverse group of companies,” said Chris Larson, vice president of sales and marketing for TCL. “We’re already off to a great start and look forward to reaching new heights together as both organizations grow tremendously over the next few years”
RELATED STORIES: Target Center Unveils Renovated Premium Area
