LOWELL, Mass. — Credit unions in two states have announced new partnerships with university athletic programs.
In Massachusetts, Workers Credit Union will become the first jersey patch sponsor for UMass Lowell Athletics, with its logo appearing on the university’s ice hockey and men’s and women’s basketball uniforms during the 2026-27 seasons, according to a university statement.
The partnership, announced Tuesday, will debut at the River Hawks’ hockey home opener against Clarkson University on Oct. 9. The patch will appear on all home, away and alternate uniforms for the three programs.
As part of the agreement, all Friday night hockey games will begin at 7:14 p.m. under Workers Credit Union’s “Clock In” campaign, a reference to the credit union’s founding in 1914.
Supporting River Hawk Athletics
“We are grateful to Workers Credit Union for investing in our programs and being the first ever jersey patch sponsor for River Hawk Athletics,” UMass Lowell Director of Athletics Lynn Coutts said in a statement. “These types of partnerships allow us to compete at the highest level and ultimately vie for championships in America East and Hockey East. The Workers Credit Union commitment to excellence and community aligns perfectly with our core values here at UMass Lowell.”
The university said the jersey patches will provide Workers with regional and national exposure throughout the hockey and basketball seasons.
Community Connection
“Workers Credit Union is proud to be partnering with UMass Lowell Athletics, a program that is such a source of pride for the city and region,” Mike Dubuque, the credit union’s chief of growth initiatives, said in a statement. “We look forward to a long partnership with this highly regarded public university, which is preparing students from every background for a prosperous future.”
Headquartered in Littleton, Mass., Workers has $2.4 billion in assets and nearly 122,000 members.
UMass Lowell, an R1 public research university on the Merrimack River, sponsors 16 NCAA Division I sports programs and has more than 400 student-athletes. Its teams compete in the America East Conference and Hockey East Association.
Corda CU Partners With Hawkeyes
In Iowa City, Iowa, meanwhile, Corda Credit Union will become the presenting sponsor of University of Iowa women’s basketball under a multiyear partnership announced by Iowa Athletics and Learfield’s Hawkeye Sports Properties, according to the university.
The agreement includes arena signage, video board features and advertising across the program’s digital and radio broadcasts.
“We are grateful to Corda Credit Union for its commitment to Iowa women’s basketball as the presenting sponsor,” said Matt Henderson, deputy director of athletics. “This multi-year partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence and will enhance the fan experience while supporting one of the nation’s premier women’s basketball programs.”
Arena And Broadcast Presence
Corda will receive presenting sponsorship video board features before tipoff at each Hawkeye home game and serve as the sponsor of one home game annually, the university said.
Its branding will appear on the television-visible south railing and multiple concourse displays at Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
The agreement also includes commercial spots in digital women’s basketball broadcasts, opening and closing sponsorship announcements for coaches shows and live game-day radio broadcasts, and an in-game radio feature during each game broadcast.
Connecting With Iowa Communities
“As Corda continues to grow, we’re excited to build new connections with people and communities across Iowa,” President and CEO Paula O’Rourke said in a statement. . “Becoming the presenting sponsor for Iowa Women’s Basketball gives us an incredible opportunity to do that while supporting student-athletes and a program that brings so many Iowans together. We’re proud to be part of something that means so much to our state.”
Iowa Athletics sponsors 22 NCAA teams.
