**FLORENCE---** The Carolina Panthers' Minor League Professional Basketball team officially welcomed in a new era as they expand from the Fayetteville area, to Florence, SC. In doing so, they officially changed their name to Carolina Panthers, Inc registered and recognized by the Secretary of State & IRS on the 9th of July 2025, in order to continue doing their work in both communities. 

TRIBUTE TO FAYETTEVILLE

This is not farewell, although all of the Panthers' Home Games will be hosted at the Pearl Moore Gymnasium in Florence, SC, they have continued to impact the youth, increased partnerships to help bridge the gap between other organizations and the community, and provide their services for the members of Fayetteville. The Panthers have been working in the background since their establishment in January 2018 to fully commit to their new #BETHECHANGE initiative. In doing so, it has opened so many more opportunities for other teams in Fayetteville to come to the forefront and accept the challenge of not just saying it, but actually being a part of the change. We look forward to seeing the spotlight shine on all the positivity these teams can and will bring to the youth and members of the Fayetteville community.

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

WINTERVILLE---The Panthers' open up their journey on a clean 2-0 start, as they were invited to participate in the Pitt Community College Military Appreciation Classic Invitational Basketball tournament. The Panthers faced a familiar team from the East Coast Basketball League, the Goldsboro Wings for their first game and they did not disappoint. The teams ended up going to 2 OTs, before the Panthers finally took the lead with a game wining 3, to finish 74-71 over the Wings. 

The Panthers would go on to close out the tournament on an energetic basis with a smooth victory over the opposing team. As the tournament comes to an end, this is the beginning of a new era for the Panthers' team and organization. 

COMMUNITY IMPACT

Bringing in a GM, Assistant Director of Basketball Operations, Athletic Director and Community Care Liaison, the Panthers have been able to expand further into the Carolinas, making it possible to reach more youth, families and communities. They look forward to bringing programs such as, the Panthers JR.NBA Basketball Clinics, Pep Rallies, Jamborees to the youth and families of Florence, SC and its surrounding areas. We want to thank God and everyone who has been helping us make this happen in the background. We truly appreciate all of our sponsors, partners, family, friends and village in assisting us bridge the gap between community, resources, businesses and outreach organizations to our youth and their families.

For more information, please visit www.PanthersCARE.com and/or reach out to one of our PanthersCARE members at info@pantherscare.com. 

Location for 2026 ECBL Home Games -- PEARL MOORE GYM, 500 Barnes St, Florence, SC