SUPERIOR, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior and Yellowjacket Athletics are excited to announce that longtime corporate partner, National Bank of Commerce, will once again serve as the naming rights sponsor of the Merrill Thompson Tip-Off Classic, the season-opening tournament for the Yellowjacket men's basketball program.
 
"The University of Wisconsin-Superior and National Bank of Commerce are household names in Superior, Wisconsin, as well as in the local business community. The two have enjoyed a partnership that goes back decades," said Hannah Willis, Marketing Director of National Bank of Commerce. "The Merrill Thompson Tip-Off Classic, the season-opening event for the Yellowjacket men's basketball team, is one of the most visible parts of our partnership and something we are proud to support. National Bank of Commerce is one again excited to be part of such a great community event and with UW-Superior Athletics as a whole."
 
The 12th Annual National Bank of Commerce Merrill Thompson Tip-Off Classic will take place at Mertz Mortorelli Gym November 11-12. This year's tournament field will feature Central College of Pella, Iowa, Lawrence University of Appleton, Wisconsin and former Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference foe UW-Platteville, in addition to the Yellowjackets. Learn more about Merrill Thompson and the event's history by visiting the Merrill Thompson Classic page.

Merrill Thompson was a longtime educator and community leader in Superior and Douglas County. He was also a basketball enthusiast. A graduate of UW-Superior, Thompson enjoyed a lifelong passion for basketball, and Yellowjacket basketball in particular.
 
"We are thrilled to be hosting the 12th Annual Merrill Thompson Tip-Off Classic alongside our partners from National Bank of Commerce," UW-Superior Director of Athletics Nick Bursik said. "NBC's commitment to supporting the university and our community has been outstanding, and we're excited to have them be part of this event once again.
 
"This year the Classic features some great teams within our region, and we look forward to a fun weekend of basketball at Mertz Mortorelli Gym."
 
About National Bank of Commerce: National Bank of Commerce is a full-service bank, located right in your community. NBC offers tailored financing options to meet your unique needs. With decades of experience in the local market, NBC is the lender who is also your neighbor. At NBC, the mission is to make more possible.