Kings land jersey sponsorship deal with Blue Diamond Almonds

The Sacramento Kings are the second NBA team to secure a uniform sponsorship deal for the 2017-18 season, partnering with Sacramento-based almond brand Blue Diamond Growers, the team announced Monday.

Blue Diamond will pay a reported $5 million per year for the 2.5-by-2.5-inch jersey patch, matching the deal the Philadelphia 76ers inked with StubHub back in May.

Unlike the Sixers' deal, though, the Kings made a conscious effort to pair with a local business, and will in conjunction be using locally sourced produce in their new arena, the Golden 1 Center.

"For decades, Blue Diamond almonds have been one of Sacramento's most well-known products around the country," Kings president Chris Granger said in a statement. "We are proud of this community's history of high-quality agriculture - it's why we've committed to supporting local producers by using locally sourced food in our arena and why our players are proud to showcase the Blue Diamond brand on the court and around the league."

Blue Diamond's involvement will also stretch beyond just the jersey patch.

From the team's release:

Beginning with the 2016-17 season, the Blue Diamond Almond Breeze logo will appear on the court apron below the visitor and Kings benches. Fans will find select menu items that feature high-quality Blue Diamond almonds, as well as Blue Diamond Almond Breeze beverages at arena kiosks.

It's been a particularly tough stretch for California growers, as the state has been mired since 2011 in its worst drought on record. The Kings, owners of the NBA's second-longest playoff drought at 10 years and counting, can empathize.

One hopes the partnership will prove fertile for both basketball and agriculture in the state capital.