Pechanga Resort Casino is partnering with the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
Unlocking opportunities
Pechanga Resort Casino has signed an agreement with the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers to serve as the team’s exclusive tribal casino partner.
our Tribe’s roots run deep through Southern California and like us, the Clippers are committed”
“We’re very excited to partner with the LA Clippers and support our broader Southern California community,” said Andrew Masiel Sr., president of the Pechanga Development Corporation. “Our Tribe’s roots run deep through Southern California and like us, the Clippers are committed to using their platform to make a meaningful difference.”
Pechanga will host community engagement events, in-game promotions, and watch parties for fans who cannot make it to the stadium. The Clippers signed the agreement by presenting a custom “Pechanga” jersey to executives during a preseason game last week.
The Clippers welcome to Pechanga
The Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians is based in Riverside, California, where their reservation is located. Pechanga Resort Casino holds a lot of influence in the area after it reported a peak revenue of $370m in 2021.
The gambling hub will now receive even more exposure through its in-stadium signage inside the Crypto.com arena, where the Clippers play. Pechanga Resort Casino branding will also appear on the Clippers’ social media pages and various broadcasts.
Scott Sonnenberg, Clippers’ Chief Global Partnerships Officer, spoke glowingly about the new partnership between the Clippers and Pechanga.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Pechanga Resort Casino and work together to serve our fans and community,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Masiel Sr. doubled down on his positive comments regarding the partnership.
“This partnership will also mean more opportunities for Pechanga’s guests to truly unique events and experiences in LA sports.”
One of the opportunities that Masiel referenced is an upcoming tribal culture night during a November 6 home game against the Utah Jazz. The Pechanga will lead the Clippers through various activities designed to celebrate and honor Native American Heritage Month.
Other ongoing situations
The Pechanga have an increasingly expansive list of partnerships with California sports. The tribe has also joined forces with the Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Rams, SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Chargers, and the University of Southern California.
The group has also been busy in an area unrelated to in-person sports, but dealing directly with sports betting.
one of many native groups that openly oppose Proposition 27
The Pechanga is one of many Native American groups that openly oppose Proposition 27, a measure that will appear on the upcoming California ballot that, if passed, would allow mega-corporations to infiltrate the market and provide legal betting services.
Recently, several major corporations pulled back on Proposition 27 marketing as the measure looks increasingly likely to flop.
Instead, the Pechanga support Proposition 26, which would allow in-person sports betting at casinos and racetracks.
The legislative issues will ultimately be decided during the general election on November 8. If Proposition 27 is passed, sports gambling will inevitably have a new hub for nationwide operations. If Proposition 27 fails but Proposition 26 passes, the tribes in charge of the casinos will assume even more authority in the gaming industry.
