Throughout September, credit unions continued to strengthen their community ties by forming new or expanding upon existing partnerships with professional and college athletics organizations. Here are four recently announced sports-related initiatives designed to build brand awareness, deepen member and community relationships, and improve financial wellness for student athletes.
1. Ent Credit Union’s Exclusive Bo Nix Debit Card
Just in time for the Denver Bronco’s 2025 season, Ent Credit Union ($10.3 billion, Colorado Springs, Colo.) launched a branded debit card on Sept. 2 featuring Bo Nix, Broncos quarterback and Ent brand ambassador.
Members who carry the Bo Nix debit card will receive 10% off concessions and merchandise at Empower Field at Mile High, the Broncos’ home stadium; priority access to home game tickets; and invitations to VIP events with players and alumni. Throughout the season, cardholders will also receive surprise gifts like Broncos calendars, collectible magnets and branded gear.
Cardholders will also unlock access to Ent’s Swipe to Score program, where every 15 debit card transactions earn an entry to win autographed items, exclusive event access and a fully paid trip to the Super Bowl on Feb. 8, 2026.
According to Ent, the Bo Nix debit card builds on the success of its Broncos Checking account and debit card, which gives fans exclusive access to game-day perks and behind-the-scenes experiences. Ent is the Official Banking Partner of the Denver Broncos.
“I’m excited to be part of this launch with Ent,” Nix, who is entering his second year with the Broncos, said. “Colorado has quickly become home for me and my wife, Izzy, and we’re grateful to work with a credit union that’s so engaged in the community. This new card is a great way to connect with fans and be part of something special in Broncos Country.”
Ent members can request the Bo Nix debit card design by visiting any Ent service center or calling 800-525-9623.
2. United FCU’s Financial Education Partnership With Pinnacle Sports Ventures
United Federal Credit Union ($4.2 billion, St. Joseph, Mich.) announced Sept. 5 that it has partnered with sports marketing and management agency Pinnacle Sports Ventures (PSV) to roll out a new financial education program for student athletes at the University of Arkansas.
According to United, the financial education program will include courses for student athletes taught by a United representative from northwest Arkansas, which will cover topics such as how to build credit, key financial literacy terms and decisions, and investing in the future.
PSV launched in July 2025 to support student athletes at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.
“I’m proud to announce that United Federal Credit Union is the founding sponsor with Pinnacle Sports Ventures as we work together to support college-bound student-athletes beyond the field,” Stephanie Riffle, regional vice president for United in Arkansas, said. “Being a founding sponsor means we’re not just supporting events; we’re helping build the foundation of something transformative for this community. As PSV’s University of Arkansas athletes embark on their careers, United will be here to support their financial journey with personalized guidance and tools to build strong financial habits.”
The partnership also includes a collaboration with the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, Riffle added.
“We know how important learning from experts can be for our athletes, especially when it comes to finances,” PSV president/CEO Chad Campbell said. “Thanks to United, we will be better able to prepare the athletes for life after athletics with valuable knowledge on how to handle money, and what it means to be active in the community.”
3. Blaze Credit Union’s Home Helmet Partnership With the Minnesota Wild
Blaze Credit Union ($4.4 billion, Falcon Heights, Minn.), the Official Credit Union of the Minnesota Wild, announced Sept. 9 that it has entered a multi-year home helmet partnership with the professional hockey team. The Blaze Credit Union logo will appear exclusively on the Wild’s home helmets starting this season.
As part of the partnership, Blaze will continue the Blaze Credit Union’s Hockey Kids4Kids Program, which encourages youth hockey players to use the teamwork and leadership skills they practice on the ice to come together and raise funds for kids at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare.
“Blaze Credit Union is excited to expand our long-term partnership with the Minnesota Wild,” Blaze President/CEO Dan Stoltz. “There is incredible alignment with hockey fans throughout Minnesota. Together, Blaze and the Minnesota Wild proudly serve this great state of hockey.”
Blaze is also the presenting sponsor of the Blaze Credit Union Promo Deck, which means Blaze members can show their Wild Debit or Credit Card for priority slots in any fan-based game or activity happening on the promo deck at Minnesota Wild home games this season and get a 15% discount at the Hockey Lodge.
4. Chartway Credit Union’s Norfolk State University Athletics Partnership Renewal
On Sept. 25, the $3.1 billion, Virginia Beach, Va.-based Chartway Credit Union announced it has renewed and expanded its partnership with Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Va., to include a three-year sponsorship as the Official Credit Union of NSU Athletics.
Chartway’s renewed role as the Official Credit Union of NSU Athletics runs through June 2028 and includes brand presence at campus and athletics venues including William “Dick” Price Stadium and Echols Memorial Hall. The sponsorship brings financial education and career development opportunities, along with support for athletics, student orientation, homecoming, faculty events, and celebrations like Founders Day and Commencement. Chartway-led events, game day sponsorships and financial wellness programs will also return as part of this ongoing collaboration.
“Chartway is proud to grow our sponsorship with Norfolk State University Athletics, continuing a collaboration rooted in shared values and community impact,” Chartway Chief Experience Officer Melissa Cade said. “As a Historically Black College and University, NSU plays an important role in empowering African American students and strengthening the local community. We’re honored to support their students with on-campus financial wellness education, scholarships and professional development opportunities.”
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