KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Kansas City Royals announced today that the club has extended its Player Development Contract (PDC) with Omaha through the 2016 season.

Triple-A Omaha, an affiliate from the inception of the two franchises in 1969, won the 2011 Pacific Coast League Championship after compiling a 79-63 regular season record. Omaha is currently in first place in the PCL's American North Division with a 44-27 mark on the season. The Storm Chasers announced their new ownership group, Alliance Baseball Omaha LLC, on Tuesday.

"Omaha has an outstanding new facility and a great management team in place," said Scott Sharp, Royals director of Minor League operations. "The club announced new ownership partners today, making this a perfect time for the Royals to show our continued commitment to the Omaha area."

"Having been affiliated with Kansas City since 1969, there was never a question of if we were going to extend the PDC, but when," said Omaha president and general manager Martie Cordaro. "In my 14 years of Minor League Baseball, I have never personally experienced such a great relationship with a Major League affiliate. We are excited to extend our partnership with the Royals."