Bay Area Panthers Partner With PIVOT Agency
SAN JOSE, Calif. (July 10, 2023) – Bay Area Panthers owners Marshawn Lynch and Roy Choi have announced a strategic joint venture with PIVOT Agency to lead a request for proposal (RFP) for the future home of the Panthers.
The 90-day RFP process will include:
● Oakland
● Sacramento
● San Jose
● Stockton
The RFP will include Executive Community Boards in each market to help determine regional fan and business commitment, in addition to venue opportunities using existing infrastructure. Individuals with interest in learning more about the Executive Community Boards in these respective markets should reach out to panthersrfp@pivot-agency.com.
The Panthers were initially slated to play in Oakland when Lynch and Choi announced their plans for an Indoor Football League (IFL) expansion team in 2019. However, following the cancellation of the 2020 season due to the pandemic and the subsequent withdrawal from the 2021 season, the Panthers changed venues to the SAP Center for their 2022 and 2023 seasons.
Through 13 games, the Panthers are second in the Western Conference with an 8-5 record. They have been among the most exciting teams in the league with a top-five offense and defense.
Roy Choi, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Knighted Ventures: “When Marshawn and I launched the Panthers four years ago, our initial vision was to be in Oakland, especially given Marshawn’s roots and our aspiration to deliver a pro football team to the devoted Oakland sports fans. With the pandemic causing such uncertainty with sport venue operations, we eventually landed at SAP Center for our two inaugural seasons. We are very grateful for their support, and we remain interested in continuing our partnership with the SAP Center. As we wrap up a fantastic season with an upcoming playoff run, we are also excited to explore the strong interest the other markets have in the Panthers. Ben and PIVOT have proven their tremendous vision and experience in this region as well as the national sports landscape, and we’re confident that this elevated partnership will take the Panthers to the next level.”
Ben Shapiro, PIVOT Agency Founder & CEO: “I am thrilled to join forces with Marshawn Lynch and Roy Choi in leading the RFP to determine the best future home for the Panthers. I’ve known Roy for some time and PIVOT is very familiar with the Panthers having worked with SAP Center. Roy and Marshawn have selected four markets that we believe are great potential home sites given their passion for sports and the accessible nature of the IFL. In order to ensure the long-term success of this organization, we need to find the right community, the right local business support, and compile data that illustrates the potential for sustained success. I’m confident PIVOT will make this happen, and it all starts with the Executive Community Boards that we’re forming in each market over the coming weeks. These groups will be vital to the success of each market’s proposal.
For media inquiries, please contact frank@pivot-agency.com.
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