The NBA Development League?s Reno team, which is set to begin play in 2008-09, today announced it would be known as the Bighorns. Team owner David Kahn and Chief Operating Officer Tony Funderburg were on hand for the announcement of the name and unveiling of both primary and secondary logos for the Bighorns. The announcement took place at Reno?s Rancho San Rafael Regional Park in coordination with the Northern Nevada Chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters.  

Named for Nevada?s state animal, the team?s logo consists of the bust of a bighorn sheep, with massive curled horns, gazing into the distance. ?Reno Bighorns? is emblazoned below that image. The logo colors of blue, green, tan and white were chosen to reflect the colors of the Lake Tahoe area.

?The name Bighorns was by far the No. 1 choice of our fans and, we think, is a name that is synonymous with the region,? said Kahn. ?We?re thrilled to represent such a vibrant and diverse community and provide affordable entertainment for all walks of life.  The Bighorns will have big action ? but little prices for tickets.?

The team also announced that it will donate 250 hours of service to Big Brothers Big Sisters and a cash donation for the 2008-09 season. Pat Fling, President/CEO of the Northern Nevada chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters, was on hand for the joint announcement.  Through the relationship, the Bighorns will work with Big Brothers Big Sisters to enrich the Reno/Tahoe community through their service.  

?I am delighted that the new NBA D-League Reno team is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters,? said Fling.  ?This will help us as we are changing the way children grow up in Northern Nevada. They have been great to work with and we appreciate their interest in supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters.?

The National Basketball Association announced today that the Professional Basketball Club, LLC, owner of the Oklahoma City NBA franchise, has reached an agreement in principle to purchase the Tulsa 66ers of the NBA Development League from Southwest Basketball, LLC. Oklahoma City becomes the third NBA team to purchase an NBA D-League affiliate, joining the Los Angeles Lakers (L.A. D-Fenders) and the San Antonio Spurs (Austin Toros) as sole owners of their affiliates.

?As owners of the Tulsa 66ers, we will be able to oversee the team's business operations and provide a valuable developmental vehicle for some of our young players,? said Clay Bennett, chairman of Professional Basketball Club, LLC.  ?We have received tremendous support from Tulsa for our NBA team in Oklahoma City and we are excited to be a part of the NBA D-League in the Tulsa area. It?s going to be a great partnership.?