2011 Highlights
SEPTEMBER 2011, RENO, NEV.— The Reno Bighorns have announced that Bighorns Basketball, LLC, a local ownership group led by Herb Santos, Jr., Stephen Adams and Jeffrey Adams has purchased the team.
For the first time in its three-year history, the Bighorns will be locally owned.
“I am excited for this incredible opportunity and I look forward to the upcoming season,” said Santos, Jr. “The quality of basketball will continue to amaze, astound and delight fans of all ages. We will continue to offer an alternative for a family outing which will not only provide wholesome entertainment but will also be affordable for all members of our community.”
Santos, Jr. and Stephen Adams have been loyal season tickets holders since the Bighorns inaugural season in 2008. Santos, Jr., was part of the small local group of community leaders who were instrumental in the start up of the Bighorns in 2008.
“Herb Santos Jr. and Stephen and Jeffrey Adams have been tremendous supporters of the Bighorns since day one,” said Dan Reed, NBA Development League President. “We are pleased to welcome them now as owners of the team, and excited for the future of the Bighorns under their leadership.”
A focus for the new owners will be to increase the community involvement with positive leadership by the owners, players, coaches and front office staff.
“We want to be part of the community,” said Santos, Jr. “We want to take part in local charity activities, church socials and other events. We want everyone to become part of the Reno Bighorns Family. We want the Reno Bighorns to be your team!”
The Bighorns’ office and practice facility will be located at the South Reno Athletic Club. The team has practiced at the facility for the past three seasons.
“We are thrilled about the future of the organization,” said Mike Reynolds, Vice President of the Reno Bighorns “Herb, Steve and Jeff’s tremendous enthusiasm for the Bighorns will help us continue to grow and provide great experiences for our fans.”
The Bighorns season tip off their regular season on the road on Friday, Nov. 25, when the team visits the Bakersfield Jam. The team will return to Reno to host its first home game of the season against Bakersfield at the Reno Events Center on Friday, Dec. 2.
The team will look to gain momentum from the 2010-2011 in which they won a franchise-best 34 games and had playoff success.
The Bighorns experienced many first-time accomplishments last season including their first Western Conference Championship, their first call-ups, their first playoff series victory, and their first sell-out crowd on Opening Night.
The Sacramento Kings will retain its Bighorns affiliation for the fourth consecutive season and will be joined by the Atlanta Hawks and Memphis Grizzlies as parent clubs.