Local Partnership with Momentum for the Future
The Merlins stand for ambitious performance sports and a strong regional identity that resonates far beyond the area. Following relegation from the Basketball Bundesliga in the 2023/2024 season, the team is now working consistently in the 2. Basketball Bundesliga ProA to achieve a successful return. A clear sporting strategy, a stable club structure, and a growing fan base provide a solid foundation for this effort.
A Club with Strong Structures and Steady Development
For years, the Merlins have focused on reliable and well-organized club operations. Youth development, professional training, and a dedicated environment interact in a meaningful way. The club succeeds in uniting athletic ambition with regional connection, creating an environment that appeals to players, fans, and partners alike. This combination makes Crailsheim a stable basketball location and helps the club remain competitive in ProA.
Why STEGO Entered into This Partnership
STEGO has chosen to support a club that visibly embodies values such as teamwork, discipline, and continuous development. This mindset aligns well with our own self-understanding and is reflected in our team's daily work. STEGO Managing Director Michael Dehnert sums it up: "Basketball thrives on speed, commitment, and good teamwork. We see this spirit in the Merlins and are delighted to contribute to it." For STEGO, the focus is not on the big stage, but on supporting a regionally important, professionally run club that inspires many people. The partnership aims to help further strengthen the club's positive development and sustainably promote Crailsheim as a basketball location.
Commitment to the Unicorns Academy
In addition to supporting the Merlins, STEGO has been engaged for many years with the Unicorns Academy of the American football club Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns. The Academy stands for structured and sustainable youth development that advances young talents both athletically and personally. This commitment highlights our regional connection and our aim to support performance-oriented sports structures in Schwäbisch Hall over the long term.
Conclusion
With its partnership with the HAKRO Merlins Crailsheim and long-term support for the Unicorns Academy, STEGO strengthens the regional sports landscape in different yet complementary ways. Both collaborations represent reliability, development, and community in the Hohenlohe-Franken region. We look forward to an exciting season in ProA and to continuing to support the positive development of both the Merlins and youth sports in Schwäbisch Hall.
(Image credits: Merlins / © Philipp Reinhard ; Unicorns / © MONIBUTZ)
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