The Charlotte Hornets have set sales records this offseason and are poised to build on the popularity of 21-year-old All-Star LaMelo Ball with nine new sponsors and 2.75 from the city. $100 million for stadium renovations and a new practice center.
Now comes the hard part – winning.
“I would say our business is very strong,” Hornets president and vice-chairman Fred Whitfield told CBJ In a recent interview at the Spectrum Center. “I think a big part of that is our exciting team, our fast-paced style.
Make LaMelo Ball the budding superstar in our league. I’m not sure our fan base has been this excited over the years. “
Whitfield predicts that attendance at each game will increase to 17,500 to 18,000 in the upcoming season. In the 2020-21 season, Charlotte averaged 17,092 fans per home game, matching the NBA average of 17,173 fans.
Industry consultant Mark Ganis noted the growing interest and involvement of Hornets president Michael Jordan in league affairs as another positive move for the organization.
In addition to Jordan’s involvement, the team’s hometown has become a more important asset.
“It’s an environment where the government encourages business, unlike places like California or Illinois,” Ganis said. He added that North Carolina’s growth is in line with the need for sports teams — “This demographic shift is attracting both young people interested in going out and businesses interested in entertainment and aligning with sports teams. .”
Read the full article here to find out how the Hornets’ business rebound came to be.
(Watch below: Hornets host media day before training camp; sign free agent LiAngelo Ball)
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