The Erie BayHawks and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine have established a new three-year partnership extension that includes LECOM being among the first-ever sponsors in the NBA Development League to secure logo placement on the team's jerseys.

Representatives from both organizations traveled to the NBA Store in New York City last week to unveil the new-look jerseys with NBA Commissioner David Stern and NBA D-League President Dan Reed.

Representatives from the Erie BayHawks and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) traveled to the NBA Store in New York City recently to unveil new team jerseys that include LECOM's wordmark placed below the numbers. The jerseys are part of a new multi-year partnership. On hand for the event are, from left: Dan Reed, NBA Development League President; Dr. Anthony Ferretti, D.O., orthopedic surgeon, LECOM; Matt Bresee, BayHawks team president; David Stern, NBA Commissioner; Dr. Silvia Ferretti, D.O., provost and senior vice president, LECOM; Owen McCormick, BayHawks lead local investor; and Dr. Pat Leary, D.O., FAOASM, director of sports medicine, LECOM.

"Our partnership with the BayHawks provides a practical resource for our Sports Medicine Fellowship at Millcreek Community Hospital as our physicians gain invaluable experience working with superb professional athletes; we see the jersey sponsorship as a way to enhance our partnership with the team by gaining national exposure for our college of osteopathic medicine and school of pharmacy," said LECOM president Dr. John Ferretti.

"It's very exciting to think about the exposure LECOM will receive in various markets across the country as a result of being on the BayHawks jerseys," Ferretti added.

The partnership, which extends through the 2012-2013 season, consists of numerous components including: LECOM serving as the team's medical staff, the BayHawks recognizing LECOM as the team's "presenting partner," community programs to promote health, wellness and education, and placement of "LECOM" on the front of the team's home and road jerseys.

"LECOM is such an asset to the Erie region and we're proud to continue what is now a long-term partnership with the entire LECOM family," said BayHawks president Matt Bresee. "The jersey sponsorship illustrates their commitment to the success of our team while providing LECOM with national exposure."

The 2010-11 season marks the first time the NBA is allowing sponsorship of Development League jerseys.

The Rio Grande Valley Vipers have also recently established a similar partnership with Lone Star National Bank in Texas. Both Erie and Rio Grande Valley's new deals have also been recognized in the latest edition of Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Journall, a national publication read by business executives throughout the sports industry, and on the USA Today's website.

Erie, the NBA affiliate of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors, begins its third season in November. Season tickets and group tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 814-790-5600.

The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and LECOM School of Pharmacy offer innovative and affordable education in osteopathic medicineand pharmacy. From campuses in Erie, Pennsylvania, Greensburg, Pennsylvania and Bradenton, Florida, LECOM provides student-centered pathways to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. Prepare yourself for medicine as your life’s profession.