Phoenix, February 14, 2026
Alkeme Insurance has signed a landmark naming rights agreement with the University of Arizona worth $27.7 million for the McKale Center, now called McKale Center at Alkeme Arena. This 15-year partnership showcases the growing trend of private investment in higher education, benefiting students and the local economy. The initiative also focuses on enhancing entrepreneurship and leadership programs at the university, providing valuable experiences for students and contributing to Arizona’s economic growth.
Phoenix, Arizona – A significant private investment is set to bolster the University of Arizona’s athletic and academic future, illustrating the power of entrepreneurial vision and strategic partnerships in fostering economic growth within the state. Alkeme Insurance, an insurance brokerage founded by University of Arizona alumni, has finalized a 15-year naming rights agreement worth $27.7 million for the iconic McKale Center, rebranding it as the McKale Center at Alkeme Arena. This landmark deal underscores a growing trend of private sector engagement in higher education, driving resources that can significantly impact local economies and provide new opportunities for students and small businesses alike.
This collaboration highlights how innovative companies, often born from local talent and entrepreneurial drive, are stepping up to support key community institutions. Such investments are crucial for sustaining the competitive edge of Arizona’s universities and enhancing their ability to contribute to the state’s economic vitality. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to excellence and a belief in the potential for partnerships to extend beyond traditional branding, creating tangible benefits for educational programs and community development.
Alkeme Insurance Secures Landmark Naming Rights for McKale Center
The University of Arizona and Arizona Sports Enterprises officially announced a 15-year naming rights partnership with Alkeme Insurance, designating the venue as the McKale Center at Alkeme Arena. This agreement, valued at $27.7 million, represents the largest publicly known arena naming rights partnership in the Big 12 Conference. For decades, the McKale Memorial Center has served as a national stage for championship competitions and a central hub for Wildcat fans. The transition to the new name will be implemented in phases, with additional programming and engagement initiatives planned throughout the partnership term.
Alumni-Led Innovation Driving State-Level Investment
Alkeme Insurance, a company founded in 2020 by University of Arizona alumni, including CEO Curtis Barton, exemplifies the spirit of Arizona AZ entrepreneurs. The company, which is a full-service insurance agency providing commercial and personal insurance services, has experienced significant growth nationwide, completing over 80 acquisitions and operating from over 90 locations in 30 states since its inception. This investment by an alumni-led firm reflects a commitment to giving back to the institution that helped shape its leaders and utilizing sport as a catalyst for education, opportunity, and economic growth across Arizona. The partnership elevates Alkeme into Arizona Athletics’ top tier of corporate partners, granting category exclusivity in insurance and risk management.
Beyond Branding: Enhancing Entrepreneurship and Student Opportunity
The partnership between Arizona Athletics and Alkeme Insurance extends beyond mere branding, focusing on powering innovation, engagement, and small business impact. Through collaboration with the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management, the agreement includes specific initiatives aimed at developing entrepreneurship and leadership programming. These programs are designed to provide students and student-athletes with real-world exposure to business operations and strategy, including “Shark Tank”-style leadership experiences, mentorship opportunities, and executive engagement. This emphasis on experiential education aligns with the university’s strategic imperatives, contributing to student success and leadership development. The collaboration also seeks to strengthen small business engagement by leveraging the visibility of Arizona Athletics to highlight career pathways and offer practical learning for students interested in business ownership, consulting, and enterprise development.
Strategic Investments for Arizona’s Economic Growth
The $27.7 million investment by Alkeme Insurance provides critical resources that enable Arizona Athletics to sustain its momentum and position its programs for long-term competitive success. University athletic departments nationwide are increasingly seeking diversified and long-term revenue streams to meet rising operational costs and enhance facilities. This private sector support is a testament to the robust Phoenix AZ business environment and the broader Arizona economy, where companies are eager to invest in partnerships that offer both brand visibility and a pathway for community development. Such deals exemplify how innovative financial strategies, including naming rights, can create sustainable funding models for vital public institutions. This influx of capital helps secure the financial foundation necessary for supporting student-athletes and coaches, thereby contributing to the overall economic growth and vibrancy of the region.
Community Connection and Future Outlook
The partnership aims to strengthen community ties by connecting students, employees, alumni, and the broader Arizona community through shared athletic and educational endeavors. For Alkeme Insurance, aligning with a nationally recognized brand like the University of Arizona provides a platform to showcase its commitment to innovation, community, and growth, while expanding its presence in Arizona and across Big 12 markets. This strategic alliance creates opportunities for business development and talent recruitment, further embedding Alkeme within the state’s economic landscape. The agreement marks a defining moment for both the university and Alkeme, underscoring a shared vision for excellence and long-term impact in the state of Arizona.
The naming rights deal for the McKale Center with Alkeme Insurance showcases a positive confluence of entrepreneurial success, private investment, and institutional support in Arizona. It provides significant financial backing for the University of Arizona while creating valuable educational and economic opportunities for the community. This move highlights the dynamic landscape of private-public partnerships that are crucial for fostering growth and innovation. Readers are encouraged to support local businesses and stay engaged in the ongoing economic development and community initiatives shaping Arizona’s future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new name for the University of Arizona’s McKale Center?
The University of Arizona’s McKale Center has been renamed the McKale Center at Alkeme Arena.
What is the value and duration of the naming rights deal with Alkeme Insurance?
The naming rights agreement with Alkeme Insurance is valued at $27.7 million and spans 15 years.
What is the significance of this deal for the Big 12 Conference?
This $27.7 million agreement is the largest publicly known arena naming rights partnership in the Big 12 Conference.
What is Alkeme Insurance and who founded it?
Alkeme Insurance is a full-service insurance agency providing commercial and personal insurance services, founded in 2020 by University of Arizona alumni, including CEO Curtis Barton.
How will the partnership benefit students and entrepreneurship?
The partnership will collaborate with the Eller College of Management to develop entrepreneurship and leadership programming, including “Shark Tank”-style experiences, mentorship opportunities, and executive engagement for students and student-athletes.
What is Alkeme Insurance’s geographic reach?
Alkeme Insurance has completed over 80 acquisitions and serves its customers from over 90 locations in 30 states nationwide.
Key Features of the Alkeme Insurance Naming Rights Deal
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Venue Name | McKale Center at Alkeme Arena | State-level |
| Deal Value | $27.7 Million | State-level |
| Deal Duration | 15 Years | State-level |
| Significance | Largest publicly known arena naming rights partnership in the Big 12 | State-level (within Big 12 context) |
| Company Founder Background | Founded by University of Arizona alumni | State-level |
| Alkeme Insurance Reach | Over 90 locations in 30 states | Nationwide |
| Educational Collaboration | Partnership with Eller College of Management for entrepreneurship programs | State-level |
| Program Initiatives | “Shark Tank”-style experiences, mentorship, executive engagement | State-level |
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