The Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury have signed official fan-focused partnerships with Gila River Hotels & Casino.

Suns and Mercury Explore New Awareness Opportunities with Gila River

Gila River Hotels & Casinos, an Arizona-based tribal operator, has teamed up with the Phoenix Suns, a National Basketball Association (NBA) team, and Phoenix Mercury, a Women’s NBA franchise. This is a big return for the company, which had to suspend operations in June shortly after reopening.

The tribal operator is following in the steps of other betting and gambling operators who have been teaming up with sports franchises to boost awareness and seek overlap between sports fandom and the betting experience.

As a result of the tie-up between Gila River Hotels and the sports franchises, Mercury and Suns’ fans will be able to visit and enjoy a team-themed Club Gila River, which is located in the vicinity of the Suns’ Phoenix Arena.

Commenting on these developments, Phoenix Suns CEO Jason Rowley expressed satisfaction to be partnering up with what he considered a leader in entertainment in the region. Thanks to the recent tie-ups, Gila River will be able to provide the partner franchises’ fans with a quality experience, including amenities and hospitality services.

Gila Focuses on Team-Themed Casino Floor and Accommodation

To create a more authentic experience, Gila River will also add team-themed rooms at the Wilde Horse Pass and Vee Quiva resorts. The rooms will be decked out with memorabilia autographed by players and down on the gaming floor, Suns and Mercury fans will be able to find branded gaming tables.

Gila River Chief Strategic Marketing Officer Dominic Orozco said that the partnership would allow providing guests with a remarkable experience and engagement with their favorite sports franchise.

He further had this to add: “As our organization grows, we are honored to have a partner with shared values and celebrated principles. Gila River Hotels & Casinos’ and Gila River Indian Community’s love for sports, and the Valley, certifies our synergy and will be a win for Arizona and beyond.”

Arizona has still not legalized sports betting, although the state saw a bill introduced in February. Further legislative efforts were stalled later in the year as the COVID-19 pandemic broke out and the state has not moved any closer towards legalization.

Arizona will most likely not see sports betting bill approved and signed into law before 2021, but casinos may as well start getting ready.