The Austin Toros are now the Austin Spurs, the NBA Development League team's owner, Spurs Sports & Entertainment, announced Oct. 15.

The move better aligns the NBA's San Antonio Spurs with its Austin affiliate and highlights their relationship, said Rich Pych, Spurs Sports & Entertainment president of business operations.

"The rebranding of the Austin franchise is a terrific opportunity to capitalize on the substantial equity of the Spurs brand," Pych said in a statement. "The name change creates an instantly recognizable link between the two franchises and is a natural progression based on the important role the Austin team plays in the development of young players, general managers and coaches who are on their way to reaching their dream of making it to the NBA."

During an Oct. 15 news conference at the Cedar Park Center—the Austin Spurs' home court—Spurs Sports & Entertainment also announced its first presenting sponsor, SWBC, an insurance, mortgage and wealth management company. SWBC was co-founded by Charlie Amato and Gary Dudley, who are also part-owners of Spurs Sports & Entertainment.

"The structure of the model and the way this league works is a win-win for everyone involved," Amato said. "We are excited to support the organization and know that this commitment to the community will impact the area in a positive way."

The Austin Spurs will celebrate their 10th anniversary at the 2014–15 season home opener Nov. 23 at the Cedar Park Center, 2100 Avenue of the Stars, where the team has played since the 2010–11 season. The team had played at the Austin Convention Center since the team name was unveiled in 2005.

"It's almost hard to believe this is going to be the fifth year the Austin Toros have played basketball here," Cedar Park Mayor Matt Powell said. "Despite being called the Austin Toros and now the Austin Spurs, they have always been very quick to sponsor activities locally here in Cedar Park. I think we have been building to this together, and we are excited that the day has come. It's going to be a great fifth season."