The Charlotte Bobcats made big strides last season on the business side, selling more season tickets and drawing in more corporate sponsors in the wake of Michael Jordan's acquisition of the team.

But holding onto those gains could be tough if the NBA owners' lockout of their players swamps part or all of the upcoming season.

"Both the league as well as the teams will have a serious challenge securing new corporate sponsors," said Bill Chipps, a senior editor at sponsorship consulting firm IEG. "Obviously, companies don't want to sign a six- or seven-figure deal for a sports property that might not happen."

"Every sponsor is hoping this is short-lived," Chipps said of the NBA lockout.

A half-dozen sponsors who spoke with the Observer this week said they're sticking with the team.