IRVINE, Calif.–The Big West Conference, which is made up of colleges and universities in California and Hawaii, has reached an agreement with Lombard, Ill.-based Credit Union 1 to make it the official credit union of the conference.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The $1.66-billion Credit Union 1 will become the presenting sponsor of The Big West Men’s & Women’s Basketball Championships, in addition to a “strong year-round presence on Big West marketing platforms,” including student-athlete financial wellness programs, the organizations said.
Students, faculty, staff and alumni at Big West member institutions “will have access to best-in-class banking and financial services benefits,” the Big West Conference said in a statement.
Commitment to Fin Lit
“Their commitment to financial literacy and education, and other conference-wide initiatives will greatly enhance the student-athlete experience, which is a shared value amongst all 11 of our institutions,” Commissioner Dan Butterly said in a statement. “Credit Union 1’s presence in the Las Vegas Valley will strengthen the awareness of our basketball championships and we look forward to showcasing our official banking partner at our annual March event.”
The 2025 Hercules Tires Big West Basketball Championships presented by Credit Union 1 will take place at Lee’s Family Forum from March 12-15, 2025. Credit Union 1 will be showcased as part of on-court and in-arena signage, along with a highly visible digital presence in association with the basketball championship each March.
Bringing People ‘Together’
“Credit Union 1 believes in supporting the spaces and activities that bring people together, which is why we are proud to partner with The Big West,” Credit Union 1 President and CEO Todd Gunderson said in a statement. “The hard-working student-athletes of The Big West are future leaders in our communities, and CU1 will provide them with financial literacy programming and best-in-class banking products that are easily accessible through our highly rated mobile app and 24/7 digital banking. Credit Union 1’s financial wellness tools and financial literacy support will also serve to help student-athletes navigate the ever-changing NIL landscape in a way that helps them build a strong foundation for their futures.”