COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. –New partnerships with athletes have been announced by credit unions in two states.
In Colorado, Ent Credit Union, which is the Official Banking Partner of the Denver Broncos, said it has partnered with Pro Football Hall of Famer Champ Bailey, who will “lend his personal story and time to help young people build financial confidence.”
“The collaboration marks an exciting step in Ent’s commitment to financial education, especially as the credit union prepares to expand nationally through its merger-of-equals with Wings Credit Union,” the credit union said in a statement.
According to Ent, the heart of the partnership includes a branded video series that will roll out in spring 2026 and which “will deliver age-appropriate, high-impact financial education for youth.
Ent added the videos will draw from Bailey’s own journey – from growing up in rural Georgia to managing finances as a professional athlete – and will help learners build real-world money skills through short, engaging lessons.
‘Powerful Layer of Inspiration’
“Champ’s story and presence bring a powerful layer of inspiration to our financial education efforts,” Annie Snead, Ent Credit Union executive director of philanthropy and community relations, said in a statement. “As we grow into new communities, we’re committed to showing up with resources that are relevant, empowering, and rooted in real life. Champ will help us do that in a way that connects across generations.”
Additional Media Support
Ent said the video series will be supported by printable tools, digital resources, and community events. Topics range from money basics for kids to budgeting, credit, and planning for independence. Each track will be designed to meet learners where they are.
Twins in NIL Deal With ACU
In Georgia, meanwhile, Associated Credit Union (ACU) said it has entered into a NIL (name, image, likeness) partnership with University of Georgia track stars, the Frederick twins, Sole and Sanaa.
The student-athletes are 2025 NCAA National Champions and 2024 Olympians. As part of the agreement, ACU said it will partner with ACU Foundation and the Frederick twins for a philanthropic event in Spring 2026.
Seeking ‘Opportunities’
“Associated Credit Union is thrilled to continue growing its NIL roster with the Frederick twins, who are amazing student-athletes. They compete at the highest level in their sport and that requires power, passion, and leadership of their sport,” ACU CEO C. Lin Hodges said in a statement. “We are committed to discovering opportunities for them to participate in community events with the ACU Foundation that inspire underprivileged students to dream big and reach their potential.”
About the Athletes
Sole Frederick, the younger twin, competed for Trinidad & Tobago at the 2024 Olympics. She won gold at the 200m National Championships in 2024 and was part of UGA women’s first NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship in 2025.
Sanaa, the older twin, competed for Trinidad & Tobago at the 2024 Olympics. She won gold at the 200m at the 2023 CARIFTA Games and was also part of UGA women’s first NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championship in 2025.
Associated CU also has NIL deals with Georgia Bulldog football players Gunner Stockton and Lawson Luckie, as well as Emory University volleyball player Kate LaRocco.
