Delta Air Lines and the Los Angeles Lakers today announced a new multi-year sponsorship agreement, aligning the airline with the reigning NBA champions. Starting this season, Delta is an official sponsor of the back-to-back champions and continues to serve as the official charter carrier for the team. Beginning with the start of the 2011-12 season, Delta will become the team’s official and exclusive airline partner.

“We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with the Los Angeles Lakers, a world-class championship team that is a favorite for so many of our customers in a market that is a critical part of the Delta network,” said Tim Mapes, Delta’s Senior Vice President Marketing.  “We continue to proudly serve the team as their exclusive charter airline, and we’re honored to now join them as an official sponsor. The Los Angeles Lakers are an exceptional addition to our strong roster of marquee sports sponsorships, and this affiliation expands our sports investments from coast-to-coast.”

“The deal is across all platforms and very customer-centric,” said Tim Harris, Senior Vice President, Business Operations and Chief Marketing Officer for the Lakers.  “The Lakers partnership with Delta gives our season ticket holders and our fans the opportunity to fly and enjoy top notch customer service with Delta just like the team.” 

The Los Angeles Lakers are the newest addition to Delta’s sponsorship portfolio of pre-eminent professional sports teams, including the Atlanta Braves, Minnesota Twins, Memphis Grizzlies, New York Knicks, New York Mets, New York Yankees, New York Rangers and New York Liberty, among others