CALIFORNIA BANK & TRUST BECOMES FOUNDING SPONSOR AND OFFICIAL BANK OF SAN DIEGO FOOTBALL CLUB

Rhea-AI Summary

California Bank & Trust (CB&T) has announced a multi-year commitment as an elite Chrome Club Partner and Official Bank of San Diego Football Club (SDFC) ahead of its inaugural 2025 Major League Soccer season. As a Chrome Club sponsor, CB&T will receive exclusive benefits including an 'on the pitch' premier suite, title sponsorship of the May 31, 2025 home game against Austin FC, co-branded content features, and prominent signage at Snapdragon Stadium.

The partnership focuses on community development through initiatives in financial literacy, small business support, and youth leadership development. Key programs include exclusive small-business events, youth leadership programs, and financial education for SDFC players, staff, fans, and youth academy. CB&T will also integrate banking products and services into the club's ecosystem, offering customers exclusive soccer experiences and discounts throughout the season.

Positive

• Strategic partnership with new MLS team provides brand exposure through stadium signage and exclusive marketing opportunities
• Integration of banking products into SDFC ecosystem creates new customer acquisition channels
• Partnership enables access to sports market demographic and potential new customer base

Negative

• None.

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As a Chrome Club sponsor, CB&T and SDFC will create community programs aimed at financial literacy, small business support, and youth leadership development

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- California Bank & Trust (CB&T), one of California's premier financial institutions, has announced a multi-year commitment with San Diego Football Club (SDFC) as an elite Chrome Club Partner. This founding sponsorship also names CB&T the Official Bank of SDFC, as the team gears up for its inaugural 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season in San Diego.

"We are proud to welcome California Bank & Trust as the Official Bank of San Diego FC and a founding Chrome Club Partner," said SDFC CEO Tom Penn. "Their deep commitment to the local business community and financial innovation aligns with our vision for long-term growth and impact. Through this partnership, we will create meaningful opportunities for fans, businesses, and the broader community, reinforcing the strong foundation we are establishing for SDFC's future."

As a Chrome Club sponsor, CB&T will enjoy exclusive partnership elements, including access to a league first "on the pitch" premier suite, title sponsorship of the May 31, 2025 home game against Austin FC, co-branded content features, prominent signage inside Snapdragon Stadium, and special retail promotions. Additionally, as the club's Official Bank, CB&T will work with SDFC to integrate banking products and services into the club's ecosystem. Bank customers and their families will also gain access to exclusive soccer experiences and discounts throughout the season.

"This partnership is a natural fit between two organizations deeply rooted in San Diego," said Eric Ellingsen, President & CEO of CB&T. "SDFC's commitment to excellence, innovation, and community mirrors our own approach to banking. This partnership not only strengthens our brand presence but also allows us to engage with consumers and business owners in meaningful ways—through both financial empowerment and unforgettable fan experiences."

A Shared Commitment to Community and Growth
CB&T and SDFC share a vision for unlocking San Diego's potential by engaging the local community and businesses. Together, they will launch initiatives aimed at financial literacy, small business support, and youth leadership development. These efforts will include:

• Delivering exclusive small-business events to support local entrepreneurs and a thriving economy
• Developing a youth leadership program that inspires the next generation of leaders in San Diego
• Creating a financial education program for SDFC players, staff, fans and youth academy to promote economic empowerment
• Supporting SDFC's Right to Dream Academy, a scholarship-based academy committed to offering top tier education and soccer training to students

"San Diego's new MLS team is set to energize the region—bringing new excitement, economic growth, and tourism," added Ellingsen. "MLS has a track record of enriching cities across the country, and we look forward to seeing its lasting impact right here in San Diego."

The SDFC sponsorship is one of many ways CB&T supports communities throughout the state. To learn more about how CB&T is committed to building a strong California, visit www.calbanktrust.com.

Celebrating the Partnership at Snapdragon Stadium
To kick off this exciting collaboration, CB&T presented a Premium Member Event at Snapdragon Stadium on Thursday, February 6, featuring Jocko Willink, retired U.S. Navy SEAL, New York Times bestselling author, and SDFC Founding Club Partner. Willink delivered a motivational address during the exclusive gathering.

About California Bank & Trust (CB&T)
Headquartered in San Diego, California Bank & Trust has been helping California families and businesses thrive for over 70 years. With local decision-making backed by regional strength, CB&T's knowledgeable bankers provide personalized solutions that go beyond what traditional banks offer.

CB&T has earned consistent recognition, including being voted:

• "Best Bank" by San Diego Union-Tribune readers for 14 consecutive years
• "Best Commercial Bank" for 11 years running
• "Best Bank" in The Orange County Register and Sacramento Bee readership polls

CB&T is a division of Zions Bancorporation, N.A. (NASDAQ: ZION) and has been recognized for its excellence in Middle-Market and Small Business banking by Greenwich Excellence Awards.
To learn more about CB&T's commitment to empowering California communities, visit www.calbanktrust.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About San Diego FC
San Diego FC is an expansion team in Major League Soccer, scheduled to begin play at Snapdragon Stadium in 2025. San Diego FC is jointly owned by Sir Mohamed Mansour, a distinguished entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist with global ties in the sport, and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, the first Native American tribe with a significant ownership stake in a men's professional team, across all major sports leagues. Manny Machado, San Diego's perennial MLB All-Star, is an investor in the Club. San Diego FC is a proud member of the Right to Dream community, a group of youth academies and professional football clubs around the world. San Diego FC's stated vision is to become the epicenter of football excellence and innovation in North America. 

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SOURCE Zions Bancorporation

FAQ

What benefits does CB&T receive as SDFC's Chrome Club Partner?

CB&T receives an on-pitch premier suite, title sponsorship of the May 31, 2025 home game against Austin FC, co-branded content features, prominent signage in Snapdragon Stadium, and special retail promotions.

What community initiatives are planned between CB&T and SDFC?

The partnership includes initiatives for financial literacy, small business support, youth leadership development, and support for SDFC's Right to Dream Academy.

When does San Diego FC's inaugural MLS season begin?

San Diego FC's inaugural Major League Soccer season begins in 2025.

What exclusive benefits will CB&T customers receive through the SDFC partnership?

CB&T customers and their families will receive access to exclusive soccer experiences and discounts throughout the season.