Santa Cruz Warriors Announce Community Partnership With Team, Inc.

Rakuten And Kaiser Permanente Donate $10,000 to TEAM, Inc.

SANTA CRUZ, CA – The Santa Cruz Warriors, the NBA G League affiliate of the Golden State Warriors, announced today that TEAM Inc. will be the community partner on the back of the team’s home and away jerseys for the 2023-24 season. Rakuten, the official partner of the Santa Cruz Warriors, has proudly selected TEAM, Inc. as their community partner for the upcoming season. In addition to the placement on the 2023-24 jersey, Rakuten and Kaiser Permanente have teamed up to further the impact of the community partnership by donating $10,000 to TEAM, Inc., as part of their commitment to supporting the community. During Opening Night on Friday, November 10, representatives from Rakuten, Kaiser Permanente, and the Santa Cruz Warriors will present a check to TEAM, Inc. at Kaiser Permanente Arena, home of the Santa Cruz Warriors.

“We are really excited to join our partners, Kaiser Permanente and Rakuten, in forming this relationship with TEAM Inc. Through this new partnership, we plan to use sports as an educational tool to expand opportunities in STEM related fields to youth along the Central Coast,” said Santa Cruz Warriors Director of Public and Community Relations, Alyssa Beatton. “We are thankful for Kaiser Permanente and Rakuten, who both continue to show up in support of building a stronger Santa Cruz County community for all who call it home.”

“We are thrilled to support TEAM Inc. in its mission to provide access and opportunities to students in the South Bay and along the Central Coast who are exploring careers in sports and technology,” said Adrienne Down Coulson, Chief Operating Officer at Rakuten International. “Collaborating with TEAM Inc. is consistent with Rakuten’s goal of empowering a diverse workforce to create innovative products and advance careers. We fully expect that the young talent in TEAM Inc.’s programs today will become the next generation of leaders in the sports and technology industries.”

“Improving community health is core to Kaiser Permanente’s mission and we recognize the importance this partnership with the Santa Cruz Warriors has throughout the Central Coast to increase equal access to education and career paths for underrepresented youth in our community,” said Eric Henry, FACHE, Senior Vice President and Area Manager for Kaiser Permanente’s San Jose and Central Coast service areas. “We know TEAM Inc. will create positive change in Santa Cruz County by eliminating barriers to ensure youth in our community will have access to programs focused on improving their overall health and well-being and setting them on a path toward success.”

In 2016, Tech Exposure and Access through Mentoring Inc. (TEAM Inc.) was established with the goal of empowering young individuals who are underrepresented and historically excluded. The organization utilizes their enthusiasm for sports as a starting point to develop data analytics and STEM skills, creating pathways for their future career prospects. 

“It is an honor to partner with Kaiser Permanente, Rakuten, and the Santa Cruz Warriors this season, and we are grateful for their collective commitment to providing health, access, and opportunity for the next generation,” said TEAM Inc. Co-Founder and CEO, Anwar McQueen. “Since 2016, our sports technology workshops have expanded opportunities for students’ futures. Some of those tangible career pathways include video analysis, coaching, and scouting positions in the G League, WNBA, or NBA, with 40 of our graduates currently working across all three leagues. Our goal has always been to empower students with career readiness and STEM skills that will place them at the height of the current sports technology landscape, and now we’re excited to be able to extend our programming to the South Bay and along the Central Coast thanks to this invaluable partnership.”

The Santa Cruz Warriors open the season against the Stockton Kings at home on November 10 at 7 p. m. (PT). All fans in attendance will receive an Opening Night T-Shirt, courtesy of Kaiser Permanente. Limited tickets for Opening Night are still available by visiting santacruzbasketball.com or calling (831) 713-4400. Stay up to date with the latest Santa Cruz Warriors news, scores, and exclusive content by downloading the official Santa Cruz Warriors app for iOS and Android.