BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – WKU Athletics and longstanding partner Franklin Bank & Trust announced today a significant multi-year partnership expansion naming the Kentucky-based brand the Official Bank of Hilltopper Baseball and Softball.
Through the partnership, which was facilitated by Learfield's Hilltopper Sports Properties, Franklin Bank & Trust becomes the first brand to adorn Hilltopper uniforms with jersey patch placement on the chests of WKU's baseball and softball game day threads.
"We are excited about being the Official Bank of Hilltopper Baseball and Hilltopper Softball and being the first ever jersey patch sponsor for each program," said Alex Downing, President & CEO of FBTCO. "It reinforces our longstanding commitment to and partnership with Western Kentucky University. We believe in the important role that WKU Athletics plays in enhancing the quality of life on campus and in the communities we serve. Our allegiance to WKU and WKU Athletics is unwavering, and we are honored to have this opportunity to continue to strengthen our support and our partnership."
The jersey patch branding serves as the centerpiece of a comprehensive sponsorship platform, which includes additional high visibility signage on the on-deck circles and outfield walls of Nick Denes Field and the WKU Softball Complex.
"This is a historic moment for WKU Athletics to see a brand partner share the uniforms of Hilltopper student-athletes for the first time," said Jennifer Starke, General Manager of Hilltopper Sports Properties. "We're thrilled to share such a moment with a trusted and well-respected institution in Franklin Bank & Trust and look forward to our expanded partnership in support of the advancement and excellence of Hilltopper Baseball and Softball."
Franklin Bank & Trust, who has engaged in student-athlete brand collaborations with Hilltopper athletes in the past, will continue its investment in student-athlete influencer marketing by leveraging intellectual property rights to feature student-athletes in activations while wearing university logos and marks.
"We appreciate the commitment of Franklin Bank & Trust to enhance our strong existing partnership by adding the jersey patch sponsorship for our baseball and softball programs," said WKU Director of Athletics Todd Stewart. "Franklin Bank & Trust will receive meaningful exposure, while our programs derive significant support. As the first partner to secure a jersey patch sponsorship with WKU Athletics, we believe this partnership can also serve as a model for similar opportunities that benefit our other programs in the future. This is a win/win scenario!"
Franklin Bank & Trust, a partner of WKU Athletics for over two decades, is based in nearby Franklin, Ky., and has served southwest Kentucky communities with "Hometown Banking at its Best Since 1958."
"Franklin Bank and Trust continues to be a tremendous supporter of WKU and WKU Athletics," said Marc Rardin, WKU Head Baseball Coach. "The Hilltopper Baseball program is so fortunate and thankful to be part of this action with the Franklin Bank & Trust patch being on our game jerseys beginning with the 2027 season."
"We are incredibly grateful to Franklin Bank & Trust for investing in WKU Softball," said Amy Tudor, WKU Head Softball Coach. "Their support provides meaningful opportunities for our program, and we are proud to wear the Franklin Bank & Trust logo on our jerseys and represent a partner that believes in our team and Western Kentucky athletics. We are excited to build on this partnership and all that it means for WKU Softball."
Hilltopper Sports Properties (HSP) is the locally based team of Learfield – the leading media and technology company powering college athletics – and exclusive multimedia rights holder for WKU Athletics. HSP oversees all sponsorship arrangements, including jersey patch opportunities for all 16 varsity athletics programs, on behalf of the Hilltoppers.
About Franklin Bank & Trust
Franklin Bank & Trust Company has been proud to provide Hometown Banking at its Best since 1958. When we first opened our doors on December 1st, 1958, we did so with a simple mission: to build lasting relationships and make a positive impact on people's lives.
More than 65 years later, that mission remains at the heart of everything we do. Today, with three convenient locations in Bowling Green and two in Franklin, we're proud to continue providing the personal, hometown service that makes our customers feel right at home.
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 48 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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