NBA, Southwest Airlines Ending Partnership After Eight Years

Southwest Airlines Assistant Manager of National Strategic Partnerships Melissa Dablo wrote on the airline's Nuts About Southwest blog that the NBA and the airline "were unable to come to a mutually beneficial agreement to extend" their partnership that began in '02. Dablo wrote "It was a very difficult decision for both the NBA and Southwest as we felt that our eight-year relationship had a very positive impact on both of our businesses. With our tough financial climate and limited resources, we had to make the tough decision to say goodbye to one of our dear friends and partners." Southwest will repaint its Slam Dunk One plane. Dablo noted the airline "will still have a local presence" with several NBA teams, including the Celtics, Mavericks, Nuggets and Suns ( BLOGSOUTHWEST.com, 10/11 ). The Slam Dunk One, a Boeing 737, had featured a "basketball-themed paint job" since '05 ( DALLASNEWS.com, 10/11 ).

Southwest Plans To Repaint Its Slam Dunk One, Which Has Featured A Hoops Theme Since '05