Arizona Athletics and ALKEME Insurance Announce Historic Naming Rights Partnership for McKale Center at ALKEME Arena
Arizona Athletics and Arizona Sports Enterprises have announced a 15-year naming rights partnership with ALKEME Insurance, renaming the venue as McKale Center at ALKEME Arena. This $27.7 million agreement is one of the largest arena naming rights partnerships in the Big 12 and will support student success, entrepreneurship, small business engagement, and other university priorities. The iconic McKale Memorial Center has been a national stage for championship competition and a gathering place for Wildcat fans for generations. The partnership with ALKEME aims to drive innovation, engagement, and small business impact by leveraging Arizona Athletics' reach to connect with students, employees, alumni, and the broader Arizona community.
Through this collaboration, Arizona Athletics and ALKEME will work with the university's Eller College of Management to develop entrepreneurship and leadership programs that provide students and student-athletes with real-world exposure to business operations and strategy. The initiatives include leadership experiences inspired by "Shark Tank," mentorship opportunities, and programming focused on entrepreneurship and risk management. Additionally, the partnership will enhance small business engagement by showcasing career pathways and offering experiential learning opportunities for students interested in business ownership, consulting, and enterprise development.
ALKEME, founded and led by University of Arizona alumni, is investing in the institution that shaped its leaders and using sports as a catalyst to support education, opportunity, and economic growth across Arizona. This partnership elevates ALKEME to Arizona Athletics' top tier of corporate partners, providing category exclusivity in insurance and risk management. The agreement includes new branding, premium hospitality spaces, digital platforms, and increased visibility during national television broadcasts.
The announcement of the partnership coincides with the success of the No. 1 ranked Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team, led by Head Coach Tommy Lloyd, who is having a record-breaking season. The transition to McKale Center at ALKEME Arena will be implemented gradually, with additional programming and engagement initiatives planned throughout the partnership term.
In conclusion, the partnership between Arizona Athletics and ALKEME Insurance signifies a commitment to education, innovation, and community growth. By aligning with a respected brand like the University of Arizona, ALKEME aims to expand its presence in Arizona and Big 12 markets while creating opportunities for business development and talent recruitment. This collaboration not only benefits the university and the athletic program but also provides valuable experiences and support for students and the broader community.