The bank has renewed its naming right sponsorship agreement with the Spirit.

The new deal extends the partnership between the bank and club into a ninth year.

Spirit general manager Adam Tarr said Bendigo Bank was pivotal to the Spirit’s future success on and off the court.

“We’re so thankful for this partnership with Bendigo Bank because they’ve been with us since day dot and their support has been amazing,” he said.

“The Bendigo Bank Spirit is one of Bendigo’s most recognisable and successful sporting partnerships,and we’re excited to work together towards another championship season.”

The Spirit, under second-year coach Simon Pritchard, are aiming for their first WNBL championship since winning back-to-back titles in 2012013 and 2013-14.

The team has been active on the recruiting front, luring a pair of new imports, including Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe, who represented Team Canada at the Rio Olympics.

They have also signed former South East Queensland Stars forward Nadeen Payne and SEABL star Ashleigh Karaitiana, to add to a roster that includes marquee players Kelsey Griffin and Gabe Richards.

Bendigo Bank senior manager Scott Whatley, said the sponsorship was part of the bank’s continuing commitment to boost support for women’s sport in regional Victoria.

“The Spirit provides opportunities for young women from regional areas to pursue their dreams of playing elite sport at the highest level in Australia, without having to move to Melbourne or interstate,” he said.

“Having a team competing in a national competition is unique for a regional city, we are proud to have our name associated with the Spirit, and we wish them the very best for the coming season.”

The Spirit start their championship campaign against Adelaide Lightning on October 8 at Bendigo Stadium.