SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Summit League announced a partnership Wednesday with Credit Union 1 that will make the company the official financial and literacy partner for the conference thanks to a multi-year agreement brokered by Collegiate Sports Management Group (CSMG).
Credit Union 1 (CU1) is a leading financial institution with a nationwide membership that drives individual, family, and community financial success through best-in-class banking products, financial education, seamless technology, and dedicated member service. CU1’s renowned financial literacy program, originally introduced at the University of Notre Dame, is now expanding across several Division I conferences. This initiative will provide economic opportunities for Summit League student-athletes and their nine-member institutions, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to manage their finances effectively.
“This will be a partnership that provides incredible resources for a truly important facet of everyone’s life and our student-athletes will benefit immensely from this as they get started on their own financial journeys,” said Summit League Commissioner Josh Fenton. “We’re grateful for CU1 and CSMG on helping secure such an impactful agreement.”
CU1 will provide Summit League student-athletes with financial wellbeing programs and offer best-in class banking and financial services benefits to students, faculty and staff of each of their universities. The company will have a presence through digital and social media promotion throughout the year, with an emphasis around the Summit League Basketball Championships.
“Credit Union 1 is proud to partner with the Summit League to support their hard-working student-athletes who are leaders in athletics, on campus, and in their communities,” said Todd Gunderson, President and CEO of Credit Union 1. “The Summit League recognizes the importance of bringing financial education to student-athletes at this pivotal time in their lives.
“Credit Union 1 is proud to provide access to not only our Financial Wellbeing program but also to the top banking products and easy-to-access technology that will allow Summit League’s student-athletes to transform the lessons they learn into real action that builds their financial foundation for the future. CU1 is grateful for the opportunity to expand our community to include all the students, faculty, staff, and alumnus of the Summit League.”
CSMG, who serves as the Summit League’s media rights and brand consultant, continues to develop impactful partnerships that benefit student-athletes and the membership.
“On behalf of Collegiate Sports Management Group, I extend heartfelt congratulations and sincere thanks to both Credit Union 1 and The Summit League for entrusting our company to broker a tremendous partnership centered around one of the premier combined basketball tournaments in the country,” CSMG COO Ray Katz said. “Credit Union 1’s support will elevate these championship experiences for student-athletes and fans alike, while sharing an important financial wellness platform and strengthening the brands of both organizations.”
ABOUT CREDIT UNION 1
Credit Union 1 is celebrating more than 65 years of helping members reach their financial goals. CU1 is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative serving 120,000 members nationwide with 90,000 surcharge-free ATMs and 5,600 shared-branch locations. Credit Union 1 strives to exceed our members’ expectations by delivering innovative financial solutions and personalized member service to help achieve their maximum economic potential.
ABOUT Collegiate Sports Management Group
Collegiate Sports Management Group (CSMG) is an integrated sports and entertainment media company focused on traditional sports and esports. We are an experienced, trusted, results-driven team focused on media rights, analytics, licensing, and sponsorship sales. CSMG offers expertise in brand building, original content, and event production and management. We drive our partners’ success at the crossroads of tech, sports, entertainment, and video games.
CSMG’s mission is to help conferences, associations, schools, leagues, and other properties optimize their revenue and exposure.
ABOUT THE SUMMIT LEAGUE
Headquartered in Sioux Falls, S.D., The Summit League is embarking on its 43rd year at the NCAA Division I level and offers 19 championship sports. The League’s nine institutions have a combined enrollment of nearly 100,000 and include five located in top 60 U.S. metropolitan populations and two land-grant universities. Full-time member institutions are the University of Denver, University of Missouri-Kansas City, University of North Dakota, North Dakota State University, University of Nebraska Omaha, Oral Roberts University, University of St. Thomas, University of South Dakota, and South Dakota State University.
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