U.S. Bank Named WNBA Changemaker And The League’s Official Bank
March 11, 2022
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced today that U.S. Bank will become a WNBA Changemaker through a new multiyear relationship with the league. WNBA Changemakers is a collective of purpose-driven companies that harness their power to elevate women in sports and support the league’s mission around advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. As a supporter of the league, U.S. Bank will serve as the Official Bank of the WNBA. U.S. Bank will also become the official bank of future marquee events such as the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup presented by Coinbase, AT&T WNBA All-Star, and the WNBA Draft 2022 presented by State Farm®.
“U.S. Bank’s support as a WNBA Changemaker is exactly what we envisioned when we created this platform, and we are excited that U.S. Bank will share in our mission to support the players and the league in unparalleled ways,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “One important element of this partnership was the idea to create financial education programs that will not only offer assistance to the elite athletes of the WNBA during their playing days, but also help set them up for long-term success beyond the court. U.S. Bank has shown outstanding commitment to highlighting our players as role models and community leaders, and we look forward to working together to advance the WNBA.”
As an official WNBA Changemaker, U.S. Bank will provide players and alumni access to financial resources and will create programs to increase financial education across the country. A cornerstone of the relationship will be the creation of a new league-wide financial wellness program, where U.S. Bank will implement benefits and resources that include access to advisors for all WNBA players so they can create a game plan for their financial futures.
“At U.S. Bank, we are focused on empowering women leaders, building wealth, and creating access for diverse communities,” said Andy Cecere, chairman, president and chief executive officer for U.S. Bank. “Our core values line up perfectly with the WNBA in inspiring the next generation of female leaders. We look forward to positively impacting women’s basketball as a WNBA Changemaker, not only by amplifying the sport, but also by focusing on social change alongside these other amazing supporters.”
As part of the relationship, U.S. Bank will provide financial education and opportunities to WNBA players – from rookies to veterans focusing on their life after basketball on an ongoing basis throughout each year via marquee league events and initiatives. Through these touchpoints, U.S. Bank will provide players with networking and mentorship opportunities, internships, training seminars and work to educate them about the importance of setting financial goals to prepare them for their post-playing careers.
In addition, the WNBA and U.S. Bank will identify and work with a non-profit organization to develop a tailored program aimed at supporting young women in underserved communities. This immersive community program, designed to improve financial health and propel economic advancement for women of color, will give aspiring businesswomen access to experts in a wide range of industries to help identify goals and access real business opportunities.
“This relationship represents so much of what we are committed to at U.S. Bank, and we could not be prouder to support the WNBA,” said Kate Quinn, vice chair and chief administrative officer for U.S. Bank. “Together, we will work to advance equity through financial wellness and education, which is part of U.S. Bank Access Commitment™, our long-term approach to building wealth and creating opportunities for diverse customers and employees. We are excited to get to work.”
U.S. Bank joins a growing lineup of WNBA Changemakers including: AT&T, the Official 5G Innovation Partner of the WNBA; Deloitte, the Official Professional Services Provider of the WNBA; Nike, the Official Outfitter of the WNBA; and Google, the Official Trends and Fan Insights Partner of the WNBA.