KEYBANK AND THE BUFFALO SABRES ANNOUNCE 10-YEAR EXTENSION OF ARENA NAMING RIGHTS DEAL

Rhea-AI Summary

KeyBank (NYSE: KEY) has announced a 10-year extension of its naming rights agreement with the Buffalo Sabres, maintaining the KeyBank Center name through the 2035-36 season. The partnership expansion includes KeyBank becoming the team's away helmet sponsor starting in 2025-26.

The partnership introduces the new HocKey Assists Community Program, focusing on education, small business growth, and neighborhood engagement in Western New York. KeyBank, celebrating its bicentennial with $185 billion in assets, will provide exclusive benefits to its customers attending events at KeyBank Center starting in 2026-27.

Positive

• Long-term commitment through 2035-36 season demonstrates stability and community investment
• Expansion of partnership to include away helmet sponsorship enhances brand visibility
• Launch of HocKey Assists Community Program strengthens local community engagement
• Strong financial position with $185 billion in assets

Negative

• None.

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BUFFALO, N.Y., July 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- KeyBank (NYSE: KEY) and the Buffalo Sabres today announced a 10-year extension of their arena naming rights deal. The contract, which is set to begin in 2026-27, will keep the KeyBank Center name in place through the 2035-36 season. KeyBank is the official and exclusive bank of the Buffalo Sabres.

"We are thankful for the support of KeyBank over the course of the last decade and look forward to the continued relationship with such a valued partner of the Buffalo Sabres," said Sabres Owner, CEO and President Terry Pegula. "We take great pride in our home arena bearing the name of an organization with such strong roots in the Western New York community and feel this partnership will continue to drive community impact for many years to come."

"We are thrilled to build upon our partnership with the Buffalo Sabres. This is an investment in Buffalo and reflects our commitment to this community," said KeyCorp Chairman and CEO Chris Gorman. "KeyBank and the Sabres will continue to drive Buffalo forward, creating opportunities and delivering on our purpose: to help our clients and communities thrive. We believe in Buffalo's future and are proud to carry it forward — together."         

In addition to the arena naming rights, the longstanding partnership between the Sabres and KeyBank will introduce KeyBank as the team's away helmet sponsor starting in the 2025-26 season. KeyBank's collaboration with the Sabres dates back to 2015 and reinforces the commitment of both organizations to the Western New York community.

KeyBank and the Buffalo Sabres' dedication to giving back to the city of Buffalo and the greater Western New York region will continue with the introduction of the HocKey Assists Community Program. The mission of HocKey Assists is to inspire pride and possibility in the Western New York community. Through initiatives focused on education, small business growth and neighborhood engagement, this community program will empower and support youth, put a spotlight on local entrepreneurs and their journeys, and bring people together through impactful programs that make a lasting difference in the neighborhoods we call home.

"KeyBank and the Sabres both believe that when our community thrives, we all thrive," said KeyBank Buffalo Market President Mike McMahon. "That's why we are excited to launch our new HocKey Assists initiative which aims to empower youth, uplift local entrepreneurs, and unite communities through impactful, grassroots programs. As we celebrate KeyBank's bicentennial, our partnership with the Sabres is a symbol of our commitment to making a difference in Buffalo and all of the communities we call home."

"Creating a community hub remains a core aspect of our mission at KeyBank Center," said Buffalo Sabres COO Pete Guelli. "We see tremendous value in KeyBank Center serving as a gathering place in our city and nothing exemplifies this more than the KeyBank commitment. Additionally, KeyBank Center holds the unique ability to impact and drive economic growth in downtown Buffalo that can create a lasting impact in the community. Tied in with the HocKey Assists program, this partnership stands to benefit our community in immeasurable ways."  

As part of the continued partnership, KeyBank customers will enjoy exclusive benefits when attending games, concerts and events at KeyBank Center starting during the 2026-27 hockey season. The partnership extension was negotiated with the help of Excel Consulting Services, an industry-leading management and marketing agency.

ABOUT KEYCORP
In 2025, KeyCorp celebrates its bicentennial, marking 200 years of service to clients and communities from Maine to Alaska. To learn more, visit KeyBank Heritage Center. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $185 billion at June 30, 2025. 

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC. 

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SOURCE KeyBank

FAQ

What is the duration of KeyBank's new naming rights deal with the Buffalo Sabres?

KeyBank's naming rights deal is a 10-year extension that will run through the 2035-36 season, beginning in 2026-27.

What new sponsorship element is included in KeyBank's partnership with the Buffalo Sabres?

KeyBank will become the team's away helmet sponsor starting in the 2025-26 season.

What is the HocKey Assists Community Program announced by KeyBank and the Buffalo Sabres?

HocKey Assists is a new community program focusing on education, small business growth, and neighborhood engagement in Western New York.

What is KeyBank's current asset size as of June 2025?

KeyBank has assets of approximately $185 billion as of June 30, 2025.

What benefits will KeyBank customers receive at KeyBank Center?

KeyBank customers will receive exclusive benefits when attending games, concerts, and events at KeyBank Center starting during the 2026-27 hockey season.