Title sponsorship for the Diamond Head Classic men’s basketball tournament is secured for the next three years with a contract renewal by Hawaiian Airlines, the event’s executive director David Matlin said on Tuesday.

For having its name affixed to each reference to the eight-team holiday tourney — run by ESPN Regional TV and hosted by the University of Hawaii — Hawaiian will again provide transportation and marketing support for games on Dec. 22, 23 and 25. Financial terms were not disclosed for the deal through 2014.

"We are thrilled to extend our relationship with such a valued partner as Hawaiian Airlines," Matlin said. "We appreciate Hawaiian Airlines’ continued commitment to this tournament and the events surrounding the games, helping us to provide a first-class experience for the teams, coaches and fans."

Hawaiian’s original three-year sponsorship deal from 2009 expired this summer, throwing some doubt on the tournament’s long-term viability if a new deal could not be reached. A title sponsorship is important to defray costs of staging such an event, especially one this far-flung.

Hawaiian has assisted with flying teams to the islands, and will again.

"There’s no question Hawaiian’s commitment to this event is a critical component to making this a sustainable event," Matlin said.

Over its first three years, the Classic brought in several high-profile teams. Most notably, Butler won the event in 2010 and went on to play for the national championship in March. Kansas State won in 2011 and USC in 2009. All 12 games in the 2012 tournament, the fourth year of the event, will be televised nationally from the Stan Sheriff Center across ESPN’s networks.

"In addition to bringing top-caliber collegiate basketball to Hawaii for the benefit of local audiences, the Diamond Head Classic is a terrific showcase for our islands and the University of Hawaii on national television, and we are excited to continue our support of this tournament," said Peter Ingram, Hawaiian Airlines chief commercial officer.

Besides host UH, the 2012 field includes Arizona, San Diego State, Miami, Ole Miss, Indiana State, San Francisco and East Tennessee State.