PHOENIX–From women’s basketball to youth sports to auto racing to “Monsters” to educational tie-ins to professional sports teams, credit unions this week have tipped off, dropped the puck and raced to the checkered flag with new sports-related partnerships and promotions. Below, the CU Daily offers an update on four new initiatives.
Rising in Phoenix
In Phoenix, Mountain America said it has entered into a multi-year naming rights partnership for the practice facility of the Phoenix Mercury of the Women’s National Basketball Association, as well as the sponsor of a youth league.
“As the official credit union of the Phoenix Mercury since 2023, this historic investment furthers Mountain America’s support of women’s sports,” the credit union said.
Mountain America added it is also investing in the next generation of female athletes by becoming the presenting partner of the Jr. Mercury Legacy League, the first-of-its-kind all-girls youth basketball league in Arizona.
The $20.2-billion Mountain America CU, which is based in Sandy, Utah, said it will partner with the Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation to support the Jr. Mercury Legacy League. Mountain America will have its logo on Legacy League uniforms and will fund a scholarship program to create opportunities for more girls to participate in the league.
Junior Empowerment Day
According to the credit union, every Legacy League season includes a Jr. Mercury Empowerment Day hosted at the Mountain America Performance Center, featuring a basketball clinic and programming that helps young girls be successful on and off the court. Founded in partnership with Valley of the Sun YMCA, the Jr. Mercury Legacy League has grown from 80 participants in its inaugural season during 2024 to more than 500 participants in its fifth season, the organizations said.
“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with the Phoenix Mercury in a shared commitment to strengthening our community,” MACU President and CEO Sterling Nielsen said in a statement. “This is an opportunity to continue making tangible investments in future generations in the areas we serve. We look forward to supporting the growth and development of women’s athletics through the life-changing opportunities offered to girls in Arizona through the Jr. Mercury Legacy League.”
About Performance Center
According to the credit union, the Mountain America Performance Center set the standard for women’s professional sports when it opened in July 2024. The 58,000-square-foot facility features world-class, player-first amenities including two full-sized basketball courts named after Mercury legend Diana Taurasi, premier strength and cardio areas, a film room with theatre-style seating and a player lounge with a dedicated chef.
As part of the naming rights agreement, Mountain America will be the presenting partner of Phoenix Mercury training camp and of a weekly digital content series that will offer fans a behind-the-scenes look at team training sessions.
Members 1st Seeks Checkered Flag
In Enola, Penn., the $8-billion Members 1st Federal Credit Union said it is celebrating its 75th anniversary by partnering with Pocono Raceway, the famed motorsports venue.
The credit union cited a study by East Stroudsburg University that estimated the Raceway’s annual economic impact at $257.5 million. Over time, the Raceway has contributed more than $2 billion to the Commonwealth’s economy, it added.
It further noted that each NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono injects an estimated $75–$100 million into Pennsylvania’s economy—on par with the $87 million generated by Penn State football over an entire home season.
‘Numbers Speak for Themselves’
“The numbers speak for themselves—Pocono Raceway is a true economic engine for Pennsylvania,” Members 1st President and CEO Michael Wilson said in a statement. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to community impact and long-term investment and growth in the regions we serve.”
In addition to the economic value, Members 1st said it will continue to support Pocono Raceway’s Military Affairs division, including as presenting sponsor of the Gold Star Families Ceremony and Breakfast held during each Cup Series race weekend.
Founded at the Mechanicsburg Navy Depot in 1950, Members 1st said it has deep military roots and a long-standing commitment to those who serve.
‘Passionate About Communities’
“Our team at the Raceway is passionate about our communities, the military and will take real joy in celebrating with our partners and guests in Members 1st Victory Lane”, Pocono Raceway President Ben May said. “Our partnership with Members 1st is built on that foundation and while we will celebrate, we will also take time out of race day to honor those we’ve lost alongside their families and friends.”
Century FCU Partners With the Monsters
In Ohio, Century FCU has become the Official Credit Union of the Cleveland Monsters, which play in the American Hockey League and are the top affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets of the NHL.
The credit union has also become the jersey patch partner of the Monsters debuting in the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs and extending into future seasons.
The Monsters will sport the newly branded Century Federal Credit Union’s logo on the right side of all versions of the team’s jerseys. According to Century Federal,, which has also been designated the Official Credit Union of the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA, the multi-year partnership extends beyond sports, emphasizing community engagement and financial literacy across Northeast Ohio.
Throwing in the Towel—On Purpose
As the Monsters begin the 2025 Calder Cup Playoffs, the first 5,000 fans to Home Playoff Game 1 will receive a Fear the Depths t-shirt courtesy of Friedman, Domiano, & Smith and a rally towel courtesy of Century Federal Credit Union.
First Tech Sponsoring NBA Math Hoops, MLS Stem
In Portland, First Tech FCU, which has been longstanding partner of the nonprofit Learn Fresh, said it serve as the corporate sponsor for their NBA Math Hoops and MLS STEM Goals programs in Portland in collaboration with three local professional sports teams—NBA’s Trail Blazers, MLS’ Timbers, and NWSL’s Thorns.
“The goal of the partnership is to provide a continuum of STEM learning offerings to students across the region connecting to their passions in sports, which will be offered free of charge to educators to implement,” the credit union said in a statement.
Tailored to Local Teams
According to First Tech, the initiative will feature locally tailored versions of the successful NBA Math Hoops program and newly piloted MLS STEM Goals program.
“Both function as a unique physical board game, combining the excitement of basketball and soccer, respectively, with the fundamentals of STEM learning— creating a highly engaging and interactive experience for students in fourth through eighth grade,” First Tech explained. “These programs are designed to improve students’ critical-thinking skills and overall academic confidence.”
NBA Math Hoops
NBA Math Hoops educators will be provided with a comprehensive toolkit that includes a 10-lesson curriculum and classroom resources that integrate math concepts into the excitement of basketball, the CU said.
“The dynamic and competitive board game allows students to build math skills while strategizing and playing against their peers,” First Tech explained. “Students have the opportunity to engage with real-world NBA and WNBA statistics. The toolkit also includes digital resources, access to a user-friendly educator portal, as well as an engaging digital app. In addition, dedicated support and training are provided for educators.
MLS STEM
Meanwhile, at the heart of the MLS STEM Goals program is a soccer-themed board game that features authentic team and league branding from MLS, along with real team statistics and standards-aligned STEM content, according to First Tech.
Students complete a series of math, science, technology, and engineering questions to move up and down the field, ultimately using team data to attempt shots and win the game. All STEM Goals content was designed in alignment with Common Core Math Standards and Next Gen Science Standards, it added.
About Learn Fresh
Learn Fresh, the organization behind the NBA Math Hoops and MLS STEM Goals programs, specializes in delivering high-quality STEM education programs to in and out-of-school time learning spaces across the U.S. and around the world.
First Tech began sponsoring the Trail Blazers Math Hoops program in 2020.
‘Excited to Continue’
“At First Tech, we believe in the power of education and the potential of every student. Through the First Tech Beyond™ program, our partnership with Learn Fresh and Portland’s professional sports teams is a testament to our commitment to inspiring the next generation of tech innovators,” Mairi Burns, VP-brand marketing at First Tech, said in a statement. “By integrating STEM learning with the excitement of sports, we aim to ignite curiosity and foster a love for learning among youth. This initiative is an extension of First Tech’s ongoing efforts to support education and community engagement, creating opportunities for students to explore their interests and develop valuable skills for the future.”