Kroger new official sponsor of Fever

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Kroger Co. grocery giant has announced a five-year deal to be the official sponsor for the financially struggling Indiana Fever of the WNBA.

Kroger and Pacers Sports and Entertainment made a joint announcement on Wednesday.

The deal includes advertising on television, radio, print, billboards and the Internet. Kroger also has a deal with the Indiana Pacers .

Fever co-owner Herb Simon told the Indianapolis Star in March that he is committed to the Fever for just one more year. He has refused to comment since.

Pacers Sports and Entertainment President Jim Morris has said the Fever have not turned a profit the past nine years. He called the Kroger sponsorship a good step.

Kroger is based in Cincinnati.