Tulsa Shock Announces Partnership With Osage Casino

The Tulsa Shock and Osage Casino announced Thursday they have entered into a multi-year marquee partnership. As part of the innovative alliance, the Osage Casino logo will appear on the Shock home and away jerseys beginning in the 2013 season. The partnership will also showcase the Osage Casino brand in advertising and signage at the BOK Center.

"The Osage Casino is a contributing part of the Tulsa and Oklahoma business community, and we are proud to help support the growth of our local professional basketball team," said Neil Cornelius, CEO of Osage Casino.

"This agreement and the ability of our organization to secure a marquee partnership is one of the most significant milestones in franchise history," said Steve Swetoha, president of the Tulsa Shock. "Osage Casino is a widely respected local and regional brand in the gaming and entertainment industry. Partnering with such a strong local brand will only enhance our own branding and visibility opportunities in Northeast Oklahoma."

The multi-year partnership combines brand awareness, fan loyalty, signage, in-arena promotions, media elements, community programs, hospitality, digital and social outreach, traffic driving promotions, broadcasting and events.

"Osage Casino is delighted to enter into this partnership with the Tulsa Shock," Cornelius said. "We are proud to help support the growth of and share in the successes of our local professional basketball team. This is truly a win/win scenario for the Osage Nation and the Tulsa Shock. Our Tulsa location is the closest casino to downtown. It makes perfect sense to spread awareness of Osage Casino directly into the downtown community."

"We are very proud to join with Osage Casino in this unique partnership and the opportunity to assist them in expanding their brand," said Sam Combs, Owner and Managing Partner of Tulsa Pro Hoops. "They have been an enthusiastic supporter of the Tulsa Shock team since the first year of the franchise's existence. We look forward to a long-term relationship."

"We are thrilled for the Tulsa Shock to be entering into a marquee partnership with Osage Casino," said WNBA President Laurel J. Richie. "In the years ahead, we look forward to leveraging the many synergies that brought them together. It is an exciting time for the Tulsa Shock and Osage Casino."

The Tulsa Shock and Osage Casino team marquee partnership is the seventh of its kind in the WNBA.

The Shock's home opener will be May 27th at the BOK Center.