The LA Clippers and the Island State look to continue their annual association, with the team planning to hold their training camp and preseason opener in Honolulu.
While Clippers fans eager to visit the Intuit Dome will have to wait a little longer before seeing their team at its new $2 billion arena in Inglewood, residents of Aloha State are in for an NBA treat.
As per reports, the Ballmer organization will conduct a training camp at the Stan Sheriff Center in Manoa starting on October 1.
Adding to the excitement of Honolulu residents, the Clippers are set to host Stephen Curry and the Warriors on October 5.
Tickets for this game are running out fast, which is unsurprising considering that NBA games are rare on the islands. When these two teams met in the Chase Center last February, the final quarter was a real nail-biter.
Hawaii paying $750,000 to the Clippers
According to public records of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the partnership with the Clippers comes with a heavy price tag for the Islands of Aloha: $750,000.
The state will benefit from many marketing opportunities during the Clippers' stay. As per the formal agreement between the two parties, the Clips are slated to participate in various community activities, including basketball clinics and school computer lab renovations.
Clippers' players or staff will be available for VIP meet-and-greet sessions with lucky locals.
Warriors are also in town
The Clippers won't be the only NBA show on the island. The Golden State Warriors will return to the islands for training camp for the first time in 17 years.
Golden State will hold a training camp at the George Q. Cannon Activities Center on the campus of BYU-Hawaii in Laie, with practices set to begin October 1. As mentioned, they will play the Clippers on October 5.
It's been a rough offseason for both of these California franchises, who bid farewell to marquee stars Klay Thompson and Paul George.
The Clippers and the Warriors hope the fresh air and magical beaches of the islands will rejuvenate the team and set the tone for a drama-free and productive 2024-25 campaign.
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