KeyCorp Extends Naming Rights with Buffalo Sabres, Strengthening Community Commitment
- KeyBank extends naming rights for KeyBank Center until the 2035-36 season, enhancing community engagement.
- The partnership includes KeyBank as the Buffalo Sabres' away helmet sponsor starting in the 2025-26 season.
- KeyBank and the Sabres launch the HocKey Assists Community Program to support education and local entrepreneurs.
KeyBank and Buffalo Sabres Forge Stronger Community Ties with Extended Naming Rights Deal
KeyBank and the Buffalo Sabres are poised to deepen their partnership with a significant ten-year extension of their naming rights agreement for the KeyBank Center, solidifying the arena's name until the conclusion of the 2035-36 season. This extension, which begins in the 2026-27 season, builds upon a relationship that has flourished since 2015, underscoring both organizations' dedication to the growth and well-being of the Western New York community. The announcement reflects a mutual commitment to fostering local engagement and enhancing community pride through collaborative initiatives.
Terry Pegula, owner and president of the Sabres, expresses heartfelt appreciation for KeyBank's enduring support over the past decade. He emphasizes that the partnership plays a pivotal role in driving community impact, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in addressing local needs. This sentiment is echoed by KeyCorp Chairman and CEO Chris Gorman, who views the extended relationship as a strategic investment in the future of Buffalo. The partnership aims to not only enhance the arena's visibility but also to contribute positively to the region’s social and economic landscape.
As part of the extended collaboration, KeyBank will also be featured as the Buffalo Sabres' away helmet sponsor beginning in the 2025-26 season. Both organizations introduce the HocKey Assists Community Program, designed to inspire pride and possibility in Western New York. This initiative will focus on education, small business development, and neighborhood engagement, empowering youth and supporting local entrepreneurs. Through these programs, KeyBank and the Sabres aim to create a lasting impact that fosters community togetherness and supports the region's future.
In addition to the naming rights extension, the partnership reflects a broader trend among financial institutions and sports franchises to engage with local communities. By investing in initiatives that address critical local issues, KeyBank continues to reinforce its commitment to community service, further solidifying its presence in Buffalo. As the collaboration evolves, both organizations remain dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of residents, showcasing the positive power of sports and banking in driving community progress.