KeyBank has become the first Founding Partner of the Cleveland WNBA, taking on roles as the team’s official retail banking partner and presenting partner for its membership platform. The partnership is intended to support the franchise’s launch, fan experience, and community presence ahead of its 2028 debut at Rocket Arena.
The agreement includes benefits for early members, planned game-day activations, and an annual community impact program across Northeast Ohio. Cleveland WNBA says it has nearly 9,000 initial payments as interest builds for the new team.
KeyBank Named First Founding Partner of Cleveland WNBA
The Cleveland WNBA has announced KeyBank as its first Founding Partner, marking a major step in the development of the new franchise. The multiyear partnership names KeyBank as the team’s official and exclusive retail banking partner and also the presenting partner for the team’s membership platform.
According to the news source, the partnership is designed to help shape the fan experience from the earliest days of the franchise through its inaugural 2028 season and beyond. The announcement reflects growing momentum for the return of professional women’s basketball to Cleveland and across Northeast Ohio.
What the partnership means for Cleveland WNBA fans
A key part of the agreement centers on the team’s membership platform, which is meant to serve its most loyal supporters. Fans who made the initial $28 membership deposit will receive exclusive benefits through the partnership with KeyBank.
Those benefits include:
- An exclusive seating area at the team’s brand unveil later this summer
- Early access to the post-launch retail drop
The Cleveland WNBA said it currently has nearly 9,000 initial payments, showing strong early interest ahead of the team’s debut at Rocket Arena in 2028.
Leadership says the partnership reflects shared investment in fans and community
Allison Howard, President of Business Operations for Cleveland WNBA, said the partnership with KeyBank reflects a shared commitment to building memorable experiences for fans. She also said the relationship strengthens the mission to create opportunity, expand access, and deliver meaningful moments for communities across Ohio and the region.
KeyBank’s Trina Evans, Chief of Staff and Director of Corporate Center, said she has long believed in the power of women’s sports to bring people together and strengthen communities. She added that KeyBank is proud to support the return of professional women’s basketball to Cleveland and to help build connection, economic vitality, and pride across Northeast Ohio.
Community impact will be part of the partnership
The partnership is not limited to the arena. KeyBank and Cleveland WNBA will work together each year on a signature community impact program that will reach neighborhoods across the region.
This initiative is intended to deepen community connection and support long-term investment in Cleveland. The focus on local impact shows that the partnership is designed to extend beyond game days and into the broader community.
KeyBank activations planned for Rocket Arena
Beginning with the team’s inaugural 2028 season, KeyBank will also have a stronger presence during games at Rocket Arena. These activations are meant to create special moments for members and fans.
Planned in-game experiences include:
- Presenting partner of the High-Five Tunnel, giving lucky fans a close-up view of the team and court during warmups
- Presenting partner for one theme night each season
- Associated fan giveaway tied to that theme night
About Cleveland WNBA
Cleveland WNBA is the 16th franchise in the Women’s National Basketball Association. Operated by Rock Entertainment Group, the team will begin play in the 2028 season at Rocket Arena, a 19,000-seat venue in downtown Cleveland. The arena is also home to the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers and the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters.
The team will train at its dedicated 52,000-square-foot performance center in Independence, Ohio. Cleveland WNBA is part of Rock Entertainment Group, which serves as the umbrella entity for the sports and entertainment properties under Chairman Dan Gilbert’s ROCK Family of Companies. Nic Barlage serves as CEO of Cleveland WNBA, Rocket Arena, and Rock Entertainment Group, while Allison Howard leads Cleveland WNBA as President of Business Operations.
About KeyBank
KeyCorp’s roots go back more than 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $189 billion at March 31, 2026.
Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states through about 950 branches and approximately 1,100 ATMs. The company also offers corporate and investment banking services under the KeyBanc Capital Markets name, including merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications, and derivatives for middle market companies in selected industries across the United States.
Through this Founding Partner agreement, KeyBank is taking an early and visible role in the launch of Cleveland WNBA, while also supporting the team’s connection to fans and the broader Northeast Ohio community.
