Kansas basketball’s James Naismith Court gets new addition

Allen Fieldhouse is a sacred place for many Kansas basketball fans due to its nostalgia and the history that’s taken place inside over the past 70 years.

For that reason, many are hesitant when it comes to changing things within those hallowed walls – but there is one recent change that fans will soon notice when watching the next KU home game.

James Naismith Court now has its first sponsor logo courtesy of First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO). The logo is featured in two separate places on the court opposite the Allen Fieldhouse lettering.

In a video released Tuesday, men’s basketball head coach Bill Self and women’s basketball head coach Brandon Schneider said the expanded partnership between KU and FNBO with this on-court branding will help their programs moving forward.

“In the ever-changing climate of college sports, we couldn’t be more proud of the partnerships we’ve been able to build and cultivate and maintain over the years – none greater than that with FNBO,” said Schneider. “We’re extremely appreciate of their support and feel like this additional investment will enable our basketball programs to continue to be nationally competitive.”

“FNBO now will go on James Naismith Court as they are really doing something in a big way to help with the new world of college athletics and to provide opportunities for student-athletes,” said Self.

The announcement has (understandably) caused a lot of angst among Kansas fans on social media who would rather not see changes like this made to their beloved home court, but with universities soon having to bring their NIL management in house, KU needs as many revenue streams as they can muster. They can no longer rely on TV dollars and donor contributions alone.

KU Athletics Director Travis Goff said a move like this was necessary for the university.

“We are entering a new era of intercollegiate athletics that requires innovative and aligned partnerships in order to fuel the brightest future possible,” said Goff in a news release. “Their commitment to our student-athletes and programs will profoundly impact the future of Kansas Athletics and we are elated to showcase our partnership with FNBO in such a prominent fashion."

As part of the renewed, multi-year partnership, FNBO has extended its support of the KU Cares program – reinforcing their dedication to the local community by providing complimentary tickets to all KU sports to military families and youth from underserved areas.