Oakland University Athletics and Oakland University Credit Union agree to 10-year, $5M naming rights partnership

ROCHESTER, Mich. – On Monday, Oakland University Athletics and Oakland University Credit Union agreed to a 10-year, $5 million naming rights partnership for the newly dubbed OU Credit Union O’rena, effective July 1.  

"Thank you to the Oakland University Credit Union for this transformational naming rights partnership. OU Credit Union is a longstanding partner with Oakland University and the Athletics Department, and this significant O'rena naming rights agreement elevates this partnership to another level, benefiting each of our sports programs and current and future Golden Grizzly student-athletes for years to come,” said Oakland University Director of Athletics Steve Waterfield. “I look forward to the Athletics Department's expanded collaborations with OU Credit Union and the many positive outcomes these collaborations will create for OU Credit Union members, OU and the community."

The O’rena opened in 1999 as the university transitioned to NCAA Division I, hosting Golden Grizzlies Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball and Volleyball teams. Stakeholders have seen a slew of stout Summit League, Horizon League, and non-conference Power Five opponents hit “The Blacktop.” 

"As a longtime partner with Oakland University, OU Credit Union is pleased to expand our partnership with Oakland University Athletics with the naming of the O’rena. Through this sponsorship, we are looking forward to expanding our programming with OU Athletics, engaging our members and the campus with events and community programs,” said MSU Federal Credit Union President and CEO April Clobes.

“In a building where teamwork and working together for a common purpose are observed and celebrated, we are so proud that the ‘Oakland University Credit Union O’rena’ will be center stage for a long and mutually beneficial sponsorship," OU President Ora Hirsch Pescovitz added.   

OUCU will also receive signage and graphic displays throughout the facility. The company already greets visitors to the Oakland University Athletics website through various sponsorships in coverage of Golden Grizzly student-athletes. OUCU has been the official credit union of Oakland University since 2013.

“This is truly a landmark partnership for Oakland University Athletics and OU Credit Union,” said Playfly Sports Properties President Christy Hedgpeth. “Naming rights deals hold immense power and influence to local and regional fandoms, and building an even more comprehensive partnership around that marquee asset will be an impressive case study on brand impact and engagement. The OU Sports Properties team is eager to start activating these assets for both the Oakland University Athletics community and OU Credit Union to transform the beloved O’rena for the student-athletes and fans.”

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OUCU was established as a trade name of MSUFCU. MSUFCU was founded in 1937 to serve the Michigan State University faculty, staff, students, and alumni which in 1958 expanded to serve Oakland University faculty, staff, students, and alumni. The Credit Union has $7.45 billion in assets, 1,175 employees, and over 340,000 members.