Phoenix, AZ, February 13, 2026
The University of Arizona has entered a groundbreaking 15-year naming rights agreement with ALKEME Insurance for the McKale Memorial Center, now known as McKale Center at ALKEME Arena. Valued at $27.7 million, this partnership enhances both athletic and academic programs through investments and collaborations with the Eller College of Management. This innovative move aims to leverage private sector support to boost entrepreneurship and leadership skills among students, while significantly impacting local economic activity and the university’s success.
Phoenix, AZ — The University of Arizona has announced a significant 15-year naming rights partnership for its storied McKale Memorial Center, a development poised to bolster the university’s athletic and academic programs through private investment and strategic collaboration. Effective immediately, the iconic venue will be known as McKale Center at ALKEME Arena. This landmark agreement, valued at $27.7 million, represents the largest publicly known arena naming rights partnership in the Big 12 Conference and stands as one of the most substantial corporate partnerships in the history of Arizona Athletics.
This initiative underscores a growing trend of private enterprise actively supporting collegiate institutions, fostering environments for both athletic excellence and academic innovation. The collaboration extends beyond mere branding, integrating with the university’s Eller College of Management to cultivate entrepreneurship and leadership skills among students and student-athletes, further solidifying the link between robust private sectors and thriving educational endeavors.
Driving Economic Vigor Through Private Partnership
The naming rights deal with ALKEME Insurance, a firm founded and led by University of Arizona alumni, exemplifies a powerful commitment to reinvesting in the institution that shaped its leaders. This partnership is designed to generate critical resources, enabling Arizona Athletics to maintain competitive momentum and position its programs for sustained success, aligning with the principles of self-reliance and strategic growth.
Such private sector investments are vital catalysts for economic activity, both locally in Tucson and across the broader Arizona landscape. Collegiate athletic events, like those hosted at the newly designated McKale Center at ALKEME Arena, draw significant visitor spending in Pima County and the wider state. A prior study indicated that Arizonans traveling to Tucson for athletics events contribute approximately $82 million to Pima County, supporting over 1,340 jobs with a combined income of $44 million. Out-of-state sports fans further augment this with an additional $50 million in visitor spending for Arizona’s economy, sustaining 840 jobs and $33 million in combined income. When accounting for all visitor spending, including local residents and students, UArizona Athletics generates an estimated $265 million in economic output for the state, highlighting the powerful economic engine that successful athletic programs, supported by private investment, represent.
Enhancing Student and Community Opportunities
A cornerstone of this partnership is the strategic collaboration between Arizona Athletics and ALKEME with the university’s Eller College of Management. This alliance aims to develop and implement entrepreneurship and leadership programming, providing students and student-athletes with real-world exposure to business operations and strategy. Initiatives planned include “Shark Tank”-style leadership experiences, executive mentorship, and immersive learning opportunities that bridge academic theory with practical enterprise leadership.
This focus on experiential learning and skill development through private initiative aligns with the entrepreneurial spirit crucial for a dynamic workforce and a flourishing free market. It provides invaluable pathways for students interested in business ownership, consulting, and enterprise development, directly impacting their personal perseverance and future success within the state’s economy. The partnership will also strengthen small business engagement by leveraging the high visibility of Arizona Athletics to highlight career pathways and opportunities.
A National Spotlight on Arizona Athletics
The announcement of the McKale Center at ALKEME Arena naming rights arrives at a particularly opportune moment for the University of Arizona. The No. 1 ranked Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball team, under the guidance of Head Coach Tommy Lloyd, is enjoying a record-breaking start to its season, drawing national attention to the university and its championship traditions.
This heightened visibility is further amplified by ESPN College Gameday broadcasting live from McKale Center at ALKEME Arena, providing immediate and widespread national publicity for ALKEME and showcasing the successful integration of private sector support with a leading collegiate sports program. The partnership includes new exterior and interior branding, premium hospitality spaces, and integrated digital platforms, along with expanded visibility across national television broadcasts, ensuring broad recognition of this strategic alliance.
The Legacy of McKale Center Continues
McKale Memorial Center, which first opened its doors in 1973, has long been a pivotal part of the University of Arizona campus and a national stage for championship competition. While the name now proudly incorporates ALKEME Arena, the legacy of J.F. “Pop” McKale, a central figure in Arizona Athletics history, remains a foundational element, ensuring continuity with the past while embracing future-oriented partnerships. The current capacity of the arena stands at 14,688 spectators.
It is important to note that this naming rights agreement for McKale Center at ALKEME Arena is distinct from the 20-year, $60 million stadium naming rights deal announced in November 2025 with Casino Del Sol for Arizona Stadium, which is now known as Casino Del Sol Stadium. The university’s strategic pursuit of varied revenue streams through such partnerships highlights its proactive approach to financial sustainability in the competitive landscape of modern college athletics.
Forward Momentum for Arizona’s Sporting Future
The collaboration between Arizona Athletics and ALKEME Insurance reflects a shared belief in excellence and a dedication to giving back to the community and institution. ALKEME’s investment positions it as a top-tier corporate partner, providing category exclusivity in insurance and risk management. This type of responsible corporate engagement fosters a vibrant ecosystem where private sector success directly contributes to public good, driving both athletic achievement and educational advancement.
As the University of Arizona continues to invest in its athletic and academic infrastructure, these private-public partnerships serve as critical components for sustainable growth. They not only secure necessary funding but also integrate practical business acumen into educational offerings, preparing students for successful careers and strengthening the entrepreneurial spirit of the state. University of Arizona AZ athletics continues to be a major force in Phoenix AZ sports and college sports in Arizona, attracting significant private investment in sports.
This strategic move by Arizona Athletics and ALKEME Insurance underscores the potential of private initiative to elevate public institutions. We encourage all Wildcats supporters and community members to engage with the programs at McKale Center at ALKEME Arena and continue their invaluable support for student athletics and the broader educational mission of the University of Arizona.
FAQ Section
What is the new name for McKale Memorial Center?
The new name for McKale Memorial Center is McKale Center at ALKEME Arena.
Who is the partner in this naming rights deal?
The partner in this naming rights deal is ALKEME Insurance.
What is the value and duration of the naming rights agreement?
The naming rights agreement is valued at $27.7 million and has a duration of 15 years.
When was this naming rights partnership announced?
This naming rights partnership was announced on February 13, 2026.
How does this partnership benefit students and the Eller College of Management?
Through the partnership, Arizona Athletics and ALKEME will collaborate with the Eller College of Management to develop entrepreneurship and leadership programming, including “Shark Tank”-style experiences and mentorship opportunities, to give students and student-athletes real-world business exposure.
Is this the same naming rights deal as the one for Arizona Stadium?
No, this is a distinct naming rights deal for McKale Center. The Arizona Stadium naming rights deal, valued at over $60 million for 20 years, was with Casino Del Sol and announced in November 2025.
Feature Table: McKale Center at ALKEME Arena Naming Rights
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Venue’s New Name | McKale Center at ALKEME Arena |
| Partner | ALKEME Insurance |
| Agreement Value | $27.7 million |
| Agreement Duration | 15 years |
| Announcement Date | February 13, 2026 |
| Conference Significance | Largest publicly known arena naming rights partnership in the Big 12 Conference |
| Academic Collaboration | Eller College of Management for entrepreneurship and leadership programs |
| ALKEME’s Founders | University of Arizona alumni |
| Estimated State Economic Output (UArizona Athletics) | $265 million annually |
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