SEATTLE—BECU has entered into a partnership to obtain the naming rights to the $64-million training facility for the Seattle Storm of the Women’s NBA. The credit union has had a longstanding partnership with the team.
The facility will now be known as the BECU Storm Center for Basketball Performance.
It is the first time an independently owned WNBA team has secured a sponsor for the naming of its performance center, according to the team.
“The partnership, rooted in both organizations’ affection for Seattle and deep commitment to make a positive impact on the local community, builds on a nearly decade-long relationship,” the organizations said in a statement. “It will continue to focus on growing the game of basketball and reducing participation barriers for historically marginalized youth with an emphasis on financial health.
“The relationship between BECU and the Storm was strengthened further when the Storm developed its pioneering vision for a new practice facility that would set the standard of excellence for female athletes everywhere. BECU helped bring the project to life by providing vital financing, for both construction and permanent debt, to help the franchise translate their dream to reality,” the statement continued.
‘Presenting Partner’
BECU will serve as the presenting partner of the Jr. Storm Community Hoops basketball series, “Together We Rise.” The program provides free basketball skills clinics and camps for up to 600 kids annually, benefiting Boys & Girls Club of King County and Rise Above.
The clinics will also include financial education resources for kids and families that will be shared through the lens of basketball, the team said, adding BECU will also donate $25,000 to the Storm’s Kicks for Equality annual auction benefiting non-profits that align with the franchise’s charitable arm, Force4Change.
“We are proud to fund this dream of a world class training facility to support the making of one of the WNBA’s most inspiring teams,” BECU President and CEO Beverly Anderson said in a statement. “Now with our expanded partnership, BECU will work alongside the Storm to inspire youth through sports, bring financial health to the community and make opportunities for everyone to thrive both on and off the court.”
On Sunday, May 25, the court at Climate Pledge Arena will debut as the BECU Court.
For a video about the new facility, go here
