BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (Sept. 3, 2024) – Western Kentucky University Athletics and Kentucky's own South Central Bank have agreed to a groundbreaking partnership that names South Central Bank the "Official Bank of WKU Football" and exclusive provider of the "Official Debit Card of WKU Athletics."
As one of the region's leading financial institutions for over 50 years, South Central Bank provides unparalleled service to consumers and businesses throughout Kentucky.
Formed in 1972, the bank's assets have grown to nearly $1.7 billion. The success of South Central Bank can be attributed to its founder, Mr. Kenneth Bale, who always made it a priority of paying attention to the needs of local people in the communities the bank served and by investing in hard work with dedication and a strong commitment to succeed.
"We are a community bank that was built to serve this region. We are extremely excited about this partnership and being the Official Bank of Western Kentucky University Football," said Tommy Ross, President & CEO of South Central Bank. "We share community-focused values with WKU and look forward to cheering on its talented student-athletes for years to come."
"We are excited our relationship with Western Kentucky University will extend well into the future," added Chris Whitfield, WKU Class of 2006 and Bowling Green Market President & General Counsel of South Central Bank. "As one of the oldest locally owned banks in the region, this relationship underscores our support of academics and student athletes."
The agreement with South Central Bank is the largest sponsorship deal with a bank in WKU Athletics history and was secured by Hilltopper Sports Properties, the locally based team of Learfield – the media and technology company powering college athletics.
South Central Bank's partnership with WKU will offer several Hilltopper student-athletes from various sports NIL opportunities as brand representatives for the bank, using their social media presence to promote South Central Bank's products, services and local branches.
"We are excited to expand our partnership with South Central Bank as the Official Bank of WKU Football and Official Debit Card of WKU Athletics," Director of Athletics Todd Stewart said. "Thank you to Tommy Ross, Chris Whitfield, Ruthie Bale and the entire team at South Central Bank for stepping up to support WKU Athletics through this enhanced partnership. Our student-athletes will benefit from South Central Bank's support and through their ability to partner on NIL deals, and we could not be more thankful for their support of the Hilltoppers."
"South Central Bank has been a long time partner of WKU Athletics and we are excited to be able to expand the partnership the next few years," said Jennifer Starke, General Manager of Hilltopper Sports Properties. "We are looking forward for South Central Bank to be the "Official Bank of WKU Football" along with using our Student-Athletes to promote their debit card in the Bowling Green market."
Hilltopper Sports Properties is the exclusive multimedia rights holders for Western Kentucky University Athletics and handles all sponsorships and in-venue signage and advertising on behalf of the Hilltoppers.
About South Central Bank
South Central Bank is one of the region's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers and small businesses with a full range of banking solutions. With 30 locations across Kentucky and Tennessee, the bank has been providing unparalleled service for over 50 years. South Central Bank's mission is to be the highest performing financial institution in the region and the bank people value and trust the most. The bank, and its nearly 300 employees are active and engaged citizens by contributing financially and volunteering time and expertise to worthy charitable causes.
About WKU Athletics
Western Kentucky University (WKU) Athletics, home of the Hilltoppers, is known for its excellence in collegiate sports. Competing in Conference USA, WKU Athletics offers 16 varsity sport programs. With top-notch facilities, dedicated coaching staffs, and a strong emphasis on academic achievement and community involvement, WKU Athletics is committed to developing well-rounded student-athletes who excel both on and off the field. The Hilltoppers and Lady Toppers have combined to win 40 Conference USA championships since 2014-15.
About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield's presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors' Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
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