After twice finding themselves at death’s door, the Wollongong Hawks can look forward to a secure future after revealing mining company Gujarat NRE as their new naming rights sponsor today.
The NBL’s sole surviving foundation club nearly folded in 2008 and 2009 – the second time only being bailed out by an 11th-hour, $1 million bank guarantee from NRE.
Now, the firm has made a long-term commitment to the club, which will be known as the Wollongong NRE Hawks.
The announcement coincided with the launch of a new logo for the community-owned club, which features a hawk clutching a basketball.
Former naming rights sponsors ahm will continue to support the club as its major community partner.
General manager Mili Simic hailed the twin announcements as the start of a new era for the Hawks.
“With a new name, the time was right this season to update our logo and brand. The previous Hawks logo was created in 1998 which has served the club and community well for over 13 years,” he said.
“Not only with a new naming rights sponsor in Gujarat NRE, but now with a new fresh and modern logo our members and corporate partners can be proud to be associated with.”
The Hawks have prospered on and off the court since being reborn as a community-based club two years ago.
“The Hawks have been a not for profit community owned club since 2009,” Simic said.
“The new model has reinvigorated the support for the club in the Illawarra.
“For the past two seasons average attendance has increased by over 36%, we have also seen growth to over 1500 proud members and we’re well on track to reach our goal of 400 corporate partners for 2011/12.”
Merchandise featuring the Hawks new look will be available closer to the 2011-12 NBL tip-off in two months.
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