KENNEWICK — Who isn’t looking for new revenue streams these days?

Earlier this fall, I learned that the Southridge High School girls basketball team offers “Game Ball” sponsorships for each home game this season. The math skills acquired via my Spokane School District education tell me that new head coach Scott Stiles raised $1,100 cash before he blew his whistle.

“Baseball has a similar fund-raising program that Coach (Tim) Sanders shared with me,” said Stiles, who took over when Kristen Davis departed for Richland High. “The parents and coaches did a great job finding participants.”

For a $100 donation, each sponsor will be announced as the official game ball sponsor for that contest, both at tip-off and the beginning of the second half. The sponsor’s name and logo would be on display in the gym during the entire season.

Though he had not heard of Southridge’s sponsorship program before, Eastmont athletic director Dan White said he is intrigued by the idea and said he would look into it.

“I think it’s a great idea,” White said. “Any way to bring in some revenue is good, and it’s been well documented that we’ve had budget cuts. It would generate fan interest and community interest.”

Wenatchee High School boys basketball coach Brett McGinnis also thought the sponsorships were a good idea.

“I have to call up (Southridge boys coach Jason) De Vere and see who came up with that,” McGinnis said. “We’ve been talking for a while about ideas to increase the revenue to the district through athletics.”

Wenatchee athletic director B.J. Kuntz wasn’t so keen on the plan.

“I hadn’t heard about them doing it, and I’m not so fond of the idea,” Kuntz said. “I’m not so sure that’s what high school sports are all about. I don’t think we’re that hurting for cash that we would need to sell high school basketball games.”

At Southridge, Merrill Lynch was the first to sign up. They were soon joined by Grandridge Dental, Salon Monroe, Canyon Lakes Golf Course, KIE Supply, Premiere Driving School, the Lee Wayne Corporation, Vista Veterinary Hospital, Twin City Terminal, Kennewick Policemen’s Association Benefits, Brittney Kluse Photography and Walmart.

Wenatchee World sports writers Brent Stecker and Brian Adamowsky contributed to this report.