A LITTLE-known internet service provider will join the Perth Wildcats’ starting five this season in an alliance that will push its brand onto the big stage.

As part of a sponsorship deal announced this morning, Perth-based start-up Pentanet’s branding will feature on the players’ home and away jerseys and the home game court and scoreboard at RAC Arena.

Pentanet founder and managing director Stephen Cornish said the company “was thrilled to team up with another proud WA organisation”.

The high-speed internet provider, founded by a group of gamers in their early 30s frustrated with Perth’s slow internet speeds, is also lending its support as a major sponsor of the professional women’s team, Perth Lynx.

“Together with the Wildcats and their passionate fans, the Red Army, we’re looking forward to forging a formidable line-up this season,” Mr Cornish said.

Mr Cornish sold his house to start the business with his brother Tim just 18 months ago, with several hundred customers signing up in the early stages and growth currently running at between 10 per cent and 20 per cent a month.

The business, based in Balcatta with just 15 staff, offers NBN services and has so far built eight towers across the metropolitan area as part of its own fixed-wireless network.

Mr Cornish said as well as exposure for the brand, the sponsorship deal was an opportunity to “give back” to the community. The tie-up would run for this season but he hoped it could be extended.

Pentanet takes the place of the State Government’s Alcohol Think Again branding that has adorned the Wildcats’ jersey in the past few seasons.

The branding will make its partnership debut tomorrow when the Wildcats meet Adelaide 36ers in the NBL season opener.