PHILADELPHIA–Some CD-holders at Ardent Credit Union are going to have a vested interest in how well a certain basketball team plays this season, while in Colorado a CU has entered into a new partnership with a basketball player.
The $871-million Ardent CU has launched a certificate product that pays members more when Villanova University’s men’s basketball team wins home games.
The Slam Dunk CD offers 4.25% APY when Villanova Men’s Basketball wins a home game, dropping to 3.90% APY after a home loss.
“With the team’s last home win on Nov. 5, the elevated rate is now live—and member response has been strong,” the credit union said.
According to Ardent, the initiative extends Ardent’s #ArdentAthlete program, which partners with Villanova student-athletes (including men’s basketball guard Malachi Palmer promoting the CD itself) to deliver financial education and tailored products—”positioning the credit union as the financial partner for college students and Villanova fans.”
Meritrust Partners With Rams’ Forward
Separately, in Broomfield, Colo., Meritrust Credit Union said it is partnering with basketball player Carey Booth, a forward with the Colorado State Rams.
Booth is currently a junior pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications.
“I’m excited to partner with Meritrust because they believe in educating and empowering people to make smart financial decisions,” Booth said in a statement. “As a student-athlete, I know how important it is to have the right support and resources to reach your goals—on and off the court.”
Booth spent the 2023-24 season with Notre Dame, averaging 6.4 points and 4.3 rebounds before transferring to Illinois the following season. His father, Calvin, played in the NBA and spent nearly five years as general manager of the Denver Nuggets.
Personal Journey Highlighted
According to Kansas-based Meritrust, which recently expanded into Colorado thorugh a merger with Premier Members CU, the partnership will showcase Carey Booth’s personal journey, highlighting the importance of growth through financial well-being, a “value Meritrust champions for all its members and communities it serves.”
Meritrust added that it and Booth are passionate about helping people improve their relationship with money to achieve long-term financial confidence.
“We’re proud to welcome Carey Booth to Team Meritrust,” MCU EVP/Chief Growth officer Jamie Harrison said in a statement. “Carey is an athlete who’s fully committed to his craft and impacting others in a positive way. That’s exactly what we’re doing at Meritrust. This partnership allows us to further empower our members to improve their relationship with money.”
