PORTLAND, Ore. –The NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers and First Tech Federal Credit Union have announced a multi-year partnership agreement.
In announcing the deal, the Trail Blazers said the “alliance will empower the credit union to amplify its reach to new and existing members on the cutting-edge and offer new credit union products, exclusive member benefits, introduce youth financial literacy programs and create a new platform to showcase the thriving tech industry in the Portland area.”
Financial details of the deal were not released. First Tech will become the first-ever “Official Credit Union Partner” of the Trail Blazers.”
“First Tech and the Trail Blazers may seem like uncommon partners, but at our core we share similar values.” said Brad Calhoun, chief retail and marketing officer of First Tech, in a statement distributed by the team. “The Portland Trail Blazers epitomize the entrepreneurial spirit and innovation of the Pacific Northwest, and deliver time and again on the changing wants and needs of their dedicated fans and communities. Our partnership with the Trail Blazers gives us an incredible opportunity to strengthen relationships with current and potential members. We will create opportunities to engage with local fans and showcase what makes First Tech one of the most admired credit unions in the country.”
According to the two organizations, the deal will include signage inside Moda Center; digital media promotional assets linked to Trail Blazers game broadcasts and social media platforms, and sponsorship of the popular “Block Party” seating area where fans track blocked shots by Trail Blazers players during games.
Plans also include Trail Blazers-branded First Tech Federal Credit Union affinity cards for eligible members – a debit card available in 2017, and a new affinity credit card coming in 2018.
According to the organizations, other “unique elements” of the activation strategy will focus on bringing together and celebrating the region's thriving technology presence with a series of technology networking events; a Trail Blazers “Tech Night” game sponsorship, and a special Technology Bracket in the Trail Blazers annual Rip City 3-on-3 Tournament.
First Tech is headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., but has a substantial presence in Oregon due to an earlier merger. The credit union has announced plans to expand its Hillsboro, Ore., corporate campus to house up to 2,000 employees, up from its current 900.