The National Basketball Association (NBA) team, Atlanta Hawks have secured a multi-year deal with the YMCA of Metro Atlanta.
Following the deal, YMCA of Metro Atlanta has been named the official jersey patch partner of the Hawks.
We are proud to announce our new jersey patch partner, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta! 🙌
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) November 20, 2023
The iconic Y logo will be on our uniforms starting tomorrow night! Stay tuned as we team up to improve the well-being of Atlantans.
Learn more: https://t.co/MoDwn0UQyH pic.twitter.com/19QIO72V7S
The “Y” branding will be displayed on all Hawks uniforms including those of the College Park Skyhawks and Hawks Talon GC, the team’s NBA G League and NBA 2K League affiliates, respectively.
Through the deal, the Hawks players, coaches, and talent will use the collaboration to enhance the Y’s extensive youth programming and produce motivational material for the next generation. This content will feature real-life accounts from executives, coaches, and players who got their start in basketball at their local Y.
The Hawks and the Y want to work together on significant community projects that will enhance Atlantans’ health and well-being, with an emphasis on expanding access to youth sports, particularly basketball.
Furthermore, the Hawks will also assist the Y in a range of issues such as, raising inclusive communities with strong DEI values, encouraging social responsibility, and responding to urgent community needs. The Hawks plan to leverage their in-arena skills and worldwide marketing resources to initiate a number of programmes aimed at drawing in new Y members and generating revenue to further the Y’s objectives.
Steve Koonin, CEO, Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena, commented, “For more than 150 years, the Y has practiced and exemplified the ideals of service and building healthy, inclusive communities that we have emulated as a franchise. At our core, we are a community asset, and we are honored to partner with such an esteemed global organization with a strong local presence and use our platform to help them serve the youth and families of Atlanta through service, resources, and sport.”
Landry Fields, Atlanta Hawks General Manager, said, “The synergy between the mission of the Hawks and the Y is so authentic and genuine. As a kid who discovered his love for the game at the Lakewood YMCA in California, I know this partnership and the access it will provide will be meaningful for the basketball community in Atlanta and beneficial in the holistic development of our youth.”
Lauren Koontz, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, stated, “Everything the YMCA of Metro Atlanta does is grounded in meeting the unique needs of communities – and we can’t do it alone. We’re grateful to partner with the Atlanta Hawks. Together we can increase access and involvement and provide the opportunity for more people to discover their potential and thrive. We’re proud to partner with an organization that has shared values of impacting the lives of Atlantans through providing access to youth sports, and curating community programming.”
Jeff Beckham, chairman of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta Board of Directors, commented, “It is a true partnership and joint mission to increase access and opportunity for youth, families and seniors to the Y. The Y is investing in a strategic and aligned partnership that will leverage the Hawks’ reach and platforms to bolster fundraising and enhance Y programming resources to serve more people across Atlanta.”