Spirit scores a slam dunk with Bendigo Bank sponsorship

Bendigo Spirit will hit the court stronger than ever this season thanks to a renewed sponsorship agreement with naming rights partner Bendigo Bank.

The Bank has been Spirit's longest and closest supporter since it entered the competition in the 2007/08 season, with the partnership now reaching its ninth year.

Club General Manager Adam Tarr said Bendigo Bank was pivotal to the Spirit's future success on and off the court.

"We're so thankful for this partnership with Bendigo Bank because they've been with us since day dot and their support has been amazing," Mr Tarr said.

"The Bendigo Bank Spirit is one of Bendigo's most recognisable and successful sporting partnerships, and we're excited to work together towards another championship season."

Bendigo Bank Spirit is one of three Victorian basketball teams in the Australian Women's Basketball League (WNBL). The team won back to back WNBL Championships in the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 seasons, and were runners-up in the 2014/2015 season.

Bendigo Bank Senior Manager, Scott Whatley, said the sponsorship was part of the Bank's continuing commitment to boost support for women's sport in regional Victoria.

"The Spirit provides opportunities for young women from regional areas to pursue their dreams of playing elite sport at the highest level in Australia, without having to move to Melbourne or interstate," he said.

"Having a team competing in a national competition is unique for a regional city, we are proud to have our name associated with the Spirit, and we wish them the very best for the coming season."

The 2016-17 WNBL fixture has been released with the season set to begin on Saturday 8 October at 7.30pm when the Bendigo Spirit plays Adelaide at the Bendigo Stadium.