Warriors announce AI data center company as jersey sponsor
The Golden State Warriors announced IREN, an AI Cloud provider with data centers in Canada, Texas, and Oklahoma, as their new jersey sponsor. The article briefly discusses the environmental impacts of data centers, such as noise, electricity, and water consumption, alongside their economic benefits.
The Golden State Warriors have announced IREN, an AI Cloud provider, as their new jersey sponsor, replacing Rakuten. The deal, reportedly worth $50 million per year, will also see IREN patches on the WNBA's Valkyries and Santa Cruz Warriors jerseys.
Warriors owner Joe Lacob emphasized the team's commitment to embracing AI, integrating it across the organization. IREN, an Australian-based company, operates data centers in Canada, Texas, and Oklahoma and has significant contracts, including a $9.7 billion deal with Microsoft for AI cloud infrastructure and a partnership with NVIDIA.
The article also touched on the broader debate surrounding data centers, acknowledging their negative environmental impacts like noise, high electricity, and water usage. However, IREN founder Daniel Roberts and Warriors chief commercial officer Mike Kitts highlighted the economic opportunities and community benefits presented by these facilities, stressing a "community-first approach" to business.