Clippers’ return could be a windfall for UH

The University of Hawaii has more than 200,000 reasons to welcome the Los Angeles Clippers back to campus for the team’s 2018 training camp.

The athletic department netted approximately $197,000 from the Clippers’ inaugural 10-day visit here last year, athletic director David Matlin said. That is in addition to parking revenue that went to the campus.

The Clippers and the sponsoring Hawaii Tourism Authority announced Saturday that the NBA team will return for a training camp in late September, though dates for the camp or expected exhibitions, possible opponents and other possible events have yet to be announced.

Last year the Clippers played two exhibition games against the Toronto Raptors that drew a two-night total of more than 16,000, held a fan fest and took part in an autograph session and community events.

Matlin said a contract for this year has yet to be completed.

Under terms of last year’s agreement the Clippers paid the athletic department $2,000 a day plus expenses for use of the Stan Sheriff Center and facilities. In addition, athletics received 10 percent of the adjusted gross ticket sales, as well as operating and ticketing expenses. UH retained concession and parking rights. While the athletic department receives a portion of concession revenues from the university, it does not share in parking revenue, which goes to the campus.

“The Clippers in Hawaii is great for the university and our entire community,” Matlin said. “It is a special opportunity for the people of Hawaii to be able to see an NBA team without having to fly to the mainland.”

The Clippers fill a void left by their L.A. rivals, the Lakers, who held the training camp here 13 times between 1988 and 2015.

The Lakers last year moved into their own training facility.