Longtime Spurs Partner Frost Bank Signs On For Jersey Patch

San Antonio-based Frost Bank and Spurs Sports & Entertainment have "entered into a multiyear agreement" on a jersey patch sponsorship that will see the bank's brand on the "front of every player's jersey" beginning this season, according to W. Scott Bailey of the SAN ANTONIO BUSINESS JOURNAL. The deal includes what SS&E has "characterized as a 'comprehensive community engagement platform' and an expanded digital and in-arena presence" with the team. Financial terms of the deal "were not disclosed." Fans can get their "first look at the new tops" Sept. 30 when the Spurs' host the Heat for their preseason opener. SS&E President & CEO Rick Pych said that the Spurs "have had a partnership with Frost for 45 years." Frost Bank and the Spurs "first teamed" in '73 when late former Frost Bank Senior Exec VP Tom Frost "provided the financing needed" to move the ABA Dallas Chaparrals to San Antonio. The franchise, which was "renamed the Spurs, was one of four ABA teams invited to join the NBA" in '76 (BIZJOURNALS.com, 8/22). The Spurs are the 23rd NBA team to sign a jersey patch deal (THE DAILY).

THEY GO WAY BACK: SS&E Exec VP/Corporate Partnerships, Broadcasting, Branding & Content Lawrence Payne said, "This wasn't going to be driven by pure economic terms, or the first partner to say yes. We really wanted to find someone who really fit with us. ... We've known Frost. We've been doing business with them for a long time. So we thought, 'Well, wait a minute. Let's talk to these guys.'" TEXAS MONTHLY's Dan Solomon noted when the Spurs approached Frost about the deal, their "shared history made it an easy decision for the bank." Frost Bank CEO Phil Green said, "This increases our name recognition more broadly than Texas. I think we've got customers in all fifty states. But our main focus is in Texas, and we've got some great markets in the state, and this really helps us get our name recognition out in those markets -- Dallas and Houston, particularly" (TEXASMONTHLY.com, 8/22).