Catawba Two Kings Casino and Carolina Panthers Forge Groundbreaking Partnership
The Catawba Two Kings Casino has scored a major victory by securing an exclusive partnership with the Carolina Panthers, marking the first-ever collaboration between a North Carolina-based casino and an NFL franchise. This multi-year deal announced Wednesday morning will bring Panthers-themed gaming experiences, player appearances, and community initiatives to the Kings Mountain facility while providing the football team with new revenue streams as they prepare for the 2025 season. The agreement represents a savvy business move for both organizations, combining the Panthers’ massive regional fanbase with the casino’s growing entertainment footprint just 35 miles west of Charlotte.
Under the partnership, Two Kings Casino will develop a Panthers-themed gaming lounge featuring team memorabilia, custom blackjack tables with Panthers logos, and slot machines showcasing highlights from franchise history. The centerpiece will be a state-of-the-art sportsbook where fans can legally wager on Panthers games and other NFL action once mobile sports betting launches in North Carolina next March. Panthers legends like Steve Smith and Jake Delhomme are already scheduled to host meet-and-greet events during home game weekends, giving fans in the western part of the state new ways to connect with their favorite team beyond driving to Bank of America Stadium.
For the Panthers, this deal provides crucial marketing access to the Charlotte region’s booming western suburbs. Cleveland County has been one of the fastest-growing areas in North Carolina, with its population surging 18% since 2020 as more families and young professionals migrate from higher-cost urban areas. The casino—which opened its permanent facility last November—has become a major entertainment hub, drawing over 1.2 million visitors in its first six months of operation. Panthers owner David Tepper, who has been aggressively pursuing new revenue streams since purchasing the team in 2018, recognized the value in aligning with a venue that attracts both diehard football fans and casual visitors.
Financial terms weren’t disclosed, but industry experts estimate the deal could be worth $3-5 million annually to the Panthers through a combination of direct payments, advertising commitments, and revenue-sharing from Panthers-themed gaming. The casino gains coveted NFL branding rights and the ability to use Panthers logos in its marketing—a first for any gambling establishment in the Carolinas. “This partnership allows us to create unique experiences you can’t find anywhere else in the region,” said Two Kings CEO Brian Hansberry during the announcement ceremony, standing beside a life-size panther statue covered in casino chips.
The collaboration goes beyond just marketing ploys. Both organizations have committed $500,000 annually to fund youth sports programs across Cleveland and surrounding counties, addressing the troubling decline in prep football participation rates across rural North Carolina. The funds will provide equipment, field upgrades, and coaching clinics for high schools that have struggled with budget cuts. Panthers president Kristi Coleman emphasized this community component, noting that 14% of the team’s season ticket holders hail from the western Piedmont region. “Our fans in Kings Mountain deserve the same access to the Panthers as those in Uptown Charlotte,” she told reporters.
Gambling analysts see this as a trial balloon for future NFL-casino partnerships now that sports betting has gained mainstream acceptance. With 28 states already offering legal mobile wagering—including North Carolina starting in 2025—teams are becoming increasingly comfortable aligning with gaming operators. The Panthers deal differs from most by focusing on on-site casino experiences rather than just digital betting promotions. Two Kings will host official Panthers watch parties during away games, complete with cheerleader appearances and giveaways, creating a stadium-like atmosphere for fans who can’t make it to Charlotte.
Local businesses in Kings Mountain are already anticipating an economic boost. Hotels along I-85 report a surge in weekend bookings for the upcoming football season, while restaurants near the casino are adding Panthers-themed menu items. The timing couldn’t be better for Cleveland County, which has been working to rebrand itself as an entertainment destination rather than just a stopover between Charlotte and Asheville.
Not everyone is celebrating the partnership, however. Some anti-gambling advocates have criticized the Panthers for associating with an industry that can lead to addiction problems. Pastor Mark Harris of Charlotte’s First Baptist Church called the deal “a disappointing embrace of vice by an organization that should model better values.” The team was quick to highlight its responsible gaming initiatives, including training casino staff to recognize problem gambling behaviors and prominently displaying helpline information.
For Panthers players, the partnership means new opportunities to engage with fans in a relaxed setting. Running back Chuba Hubbard, who visited the casino for the announcement, said he looks forward to interacting with supporters away from the usual stadium crowds. “Sometimes at games, it’s all business,” Hubbard said. “This lets us actually hang out with the people who cheer for us every Sunday.” The casino will host quarterly player appearances beginning with star defensive tackle Derrick Brown in September.
The deal also includes some creative cross-promotions. Two Kings will offer special packages that bundle casino resort stays with tickets to Panthers home games, along with VIP experiences like field passes and pregame sideline access. High rollers at the casino can earn points redeemable for Panthers merchandise or stadium tours—a clever loyalty program that benefits both businesses.
As legal sports betting prepares to launch in North Carolina next year, this partnership positions Two Kings Casino as the go-to destination for Panthers fans looking to wager on games. The casino’s sportsbook will feature exclusive Panthers prop bets you won’t find on national apps, along with live odds updates during games. Their location near the South Carolina border could also draw visitors from the Palmetto State, where sports betting remains illegal.
For the Catawba Nation, which owns and operates Two Kings Casino, this deal represents another milestone in their economic development efforts. Tribal Chief Bill Harris called it “validation of our vision to create more than just a gambling hall, but a true entertainment destination.” The tribe has plans to expand the property with a 300-room hotel and concert venue by 2026—projects that will now incorporate Panthers branding elements.
The ripple effects extend to media as well. Panthers radio broadcasts will now include mentions of Two Kings Casino as the “official gaming partner,” while the casino’s digital platforms will carry exclusive player interviews and behind-the-scenes content. It’s a symbiotic relationship that gives the team new ways to reach fans while providing the casino with premium NFL content.
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on how this unprecedented partnership develops. If successful, it could become a model for other small-market casinos looking to align with professional sports franchises. For now, Panthers fans in the western Carolinas have one more reason to be excited for football season—and one more destination where their fandom can come to life. Whether it’s trying their luck at a Panthers-themed slot machine or meeting their favorite player at a blackjack table, the game day experience just got a whole lot more interesting.
In a region where football reigns supreme, the marriage between the Panthers and Two Kings Casino feels like a natural next step. It’s a win for fans seeking new ways to engage with their team, a win for businesses looking to capitalize on NFL passion, and most importantly—if both organizations play their cards right—a jackpot waiting to be claimed.
