Cleveland WNBA Announces KeyBank as First Founding Partner

Cleveland WNBA Announces KeyBank as First Founding Partner

The new partnership establishes KeyBank as the team’s Official Retail Bank and presenting partner for the team’s membership platform.

CLEVELAND – The Cleveland WNBA today announced KeyBank, Northeast Ohio’s hometown bank, as its first Founding Partner. The new, multiyear partnership establishes the financial institution as the team’s official and exclusive retail banking partner. As a founding partner, KeyBank will help shape the fan experience from the franchise’s earliest days through its inaugural 2028 season and beyond.

A cornerstone of the partnership is KeyBank’s sponsorship of the franchise’s membership platform, the home for the team’s most loyal fans. As the presenting partner of the platform, KeyBank will provide Cleveland WNBA fans who have made the initial $28 membership deposit with exclusive benefits, including exclusive seating area at the team’s brand unveil later this summer along with early access to the post-launch retail drop. Cleveland WNBA currently has nearly 9,000 initial payments as momentum continues to build ahead of the team’s debut at Rocket Arena in 2028.

“Establishing our first foundational partnership with KeyBank, with a focus on our membership platform, reflects how deeply committed we are to collectively investing in unforgettable experiences for our fans, whose passion and belief in the return of the WNBA to Ohio has been clear since day one,” said Allison Howard, Cleveland WNBA, President of Business Operations. “Partnering with this trusted hometown brand strengthens the momentum behind our shared mission to create opportunity, expand access and deliver moments that matter for communities across Ohio and the region.”

KeyBank and Cleveland WNBA will collaborate annually on a signature community impact program, extending the partnership beyond the arena and into neighborhoods across the region. This dedicated program will reinforce a shared commitment to deepening community connection and driving meaningful, long-term investment in Cleveland.

“I’ve long believed in the power of women’s sports, not only as a platform for incredible athletes, but as a force for bringing people together and strengthening communities,” said Trina Evans, Chief of Staff and Director of Corporate Center, KeyBank. “As a Founding Partner of Cleveland WNBA, KeyBank is proud to support the return of professional women’s basketball to our hometown and help create new opportunities for connection, economic vitality, and enduring pride across Northeast Ohio.”

Additionally, beginning with the team’s inaugural season in 2028, KeyBank will expand its presence with in-game moments that create memorable experiences for members and fans at Cleveland WNBA games at Rocket Arena. The marquee activation includes serving as presenting partner of the High-Five Tunnel, where lucky fans will get a close-up view of the team and court during warmups. KeyBank will also serve as presenting partner for one theme night and associated fan giveaway each season.

To celebrate the new partnership, KeyBank and Cleveland WNBA are offering fans the opportunity to win two tickets to a game during the team’s 2028 inaugural season. Fourteen winners will be selected. Fans can enter now at https://web.witcontests.com/rocketarena/sweepstakes/win/wnba-cleveland-inaugural-seaso-260714. The sweepstake is free to enter and will close on Monday, August 10 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Fans who wish to place a $28 initial payment for a future Cleveland WNBA membership can do so at WNBACleveland.com. For franchise business, team news, community updates and more information, fans can follow @ClevelandWNBA on X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok and subscribe to text alerts by texting WCLE to 30594.