NEW ORLEANS, La. — The Sun Belt has partnered with Credit Union 1, a leading financial institution with a nationwide presence, as the conference’s official credit union. The agreement includes a multi-year partnership as the title sponsor of the annual Sun Belt Football Championship Game. The partnership—the largest in Sun Belt history—is the latest secured by Van Wagner, which manages the Sun Belt’s sponsorship and corporate marketing program. 

“As we celebrate the rise of Sun Belt football in its 25th anniversary season, we are excited to partner with Credit Union 1 as the title sponsor of the Sun Belt Football Championship Game,” said Sun Belt Conference Commissioner Keith Gill. “With primetime billing on ESPN, we look forward to showcasing our East and West Division champions as they vie for a conference title and a potential berth into the College Football Playoff."

In addition to its title sponsorship of the Sun Belt Football Championship Game, Credit Union 1 will be integrated into year-round Sun Belt events, including a presence at all Sun Belt Conference championships. Credit Union 1 will also commit resources to support conference-wide student-athlete financial wellness programs. 

“Credit Union 1 is proud to support Sun Belt student-athletes as future leaders in the community. This partnership will allow us both to celebrate the success of these athletes on the field and set them up for thriving futures off the field through financial education,” said Credit Union 1 President and CEO Todd Gunderson. “College is a pivotal time to start building good money habits—especially as student-athletes navigate financial opportunities through NIL. With CU1’s financial wellness programs, best-in-class banking products, and top banking technology, Sun Belt student-athletes will have the tools to build a strong financial foundation. We also look forward to serving the students, faculty, and alumni of all Sun Belt universities.”

The 2025 Credit Union 1 Sun Belt Football Championship Game will be played at 7:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. CT on Friday, Dec. 5, and will be nationally televised on ESPN. The primetime matchup will feature the champions of the conference’s East and West Divisions and will be played at the site of the divisional winner with the best overall conference record. ESPN has televised the Sun Belt Football Championship Game since its inception in 2018. 

About Credit Union 1
Credit Union 1 is celebrating more than 65 years of helping members reach their financial goals. CU1 is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative serving 120,000 members nationwide with 90,000 surcharge-free ATMs and 5,600 shared-branch locations. Credit Union 1 strives to exceed its members’ expectations by delivering innovative financial solutions and personalized member service to help achieve their maximum economic potential. Discover Better Banking for All at CU1.com.