COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council
FROM: Gabby Vera, Parks and Recreation Director
SUBJECT:Title
Discussion and Action: Affiliation Agreement for the Phoenix Suns Jr. Suns/Jr. Mercury Youth Basketball League with Suns Legacy Partners, L.L.C., and Phoenix Mercury Basketball LLC (Gabby Vera)
Body
FUNDING SOURCE:
General Fund
PURPOSE:
To consider approval of an affiliation agreement between Lake Havasu City and the Phoenix Suns Jr. Suns/Jr. Mercury Youth Basketball League to enhance the City’s youth basketball programming.
BACKGROUND:
The Lake Havasu City Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of youth programs designed to promote physical activity, teamwork, and positive youth development. Youth basketball is one of the Department’s most popular recreational offerings and provides local youth with an opportunity to learn fundamental basketball skills while participating in a structured league environment. This year we want to elevate the program and partner with the Jr. Suns/Jr. Mercury Youth Basketball league.
The Jr. Suns/Jr. Mercury Youth Basketball League is a youth development program operated by the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury organizations. Through this affiliation, Lake Havasu City would become an official Jr. Suns/Jr. Mercury league partner and administer local youth basketball programming in accordance with the program’s established standards and guidelines.
As part of the affiliation, the Phoenix Suns organization will provide program support including league resources, promotional materials, access to training clinics, vendor partnerships for uniforms and equipment, and potential opportunities for community engagement activities connected to the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury organizations.
Lake Havasu City will continue to operate and manage the youth basketball league locally, including staffing, facilities, scheduling, and program administration.
This item is before Council for consideration because the agreement contains an indemnification clause.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
Participation in the Jr. Suns/Jr. Mercury Youth Basketball League enhances the City’s ability to provide a high-quality youth sports experience while connecting local participants to a nationally recognized youth basketball program.
This affiliation strengthens youth recreation opportunities in Lake Havasu City by promoting physical activity, teamwork, and sportsmanship while creating a positive and engaging environment for local families. The program also supports the City’s broader commitment to providing meaningful recreational opportunities that contribute to the health, wellness, and development of youth in our community.
FISCAL IMPACT:
As part of the affiliation, Lake Havasu City will pay a fee of $6 per registered participant per season to the Phoenix Suns organization. Funds are allocated and available in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 operating budget in the Parks and Recreation Department.
These costs will be incorporated into the program registration fees and are expected to be fully supported through participant revenues associated with the youth basketball league.
ATTACHMENTS:
Affiliation Agreement
SUGGESTED MOTION:Recommended Action
I move to approve the Affiliation Agreement for the Phoenix Suns Jr. Suns/Jr. Mercury Youth Basketball League and authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement on behalf of the City.