The Indiana Pacers and Indiana Fever basketball franchises have signed a five-year sponsorship deal with Kroger.

The grocery chain will be the exclusive supermarket sponsor of the NBA's Pacers and a major sponsor of the WNBA's Fever. Its branding will adorn the scoreboard and box office signs at the Conseco Fieldhouse, home to both the teams.

"This is not only a mutually-beneficial promotional alliance showcasing three strong corporate citizens that will achieve important business goals on behalf of our customers; this is the start of a very strong community partnership that will enrich local communities across Indiana," said Kroger central division president Bob Moeder.

Pacers sports and entertainment president Jim Morris added: "In this tough economic market, this is a very good partnership for both of us."