East Tennessee State University (ETSU) Athletics announced a multi-year agreement naming Eastman Credit Union (ECU) as the Official Credit Union of ETSU Athletics and the premier jersey patch sponsor for the Buccaneers’ men’s and women’s basketball and baseball programs beginning with the 2026-27 season.
The patch will symbolize a broader partnership centered on student support, financial education, and service. ECU’s on-campus engagement will help student-athletes build practical financial skills and prepare for life after college.
“We are excited and proud to support ETSU’s basketball and baseball programs, but the value of this partnership extends far beyond the jersey patches,” said Kelly Price, ECU’s president and CEO. “As the Official Credit Union of ETSU Athletics, you’ll see us throughout the year engaging with student-athletes, the broader student body, and fans. Our commitment runs deep, and our team is dedicated to helping students build smarter money habits, navigate finances, and realize that ECU will be here for them along life’s journey. ETSU Athletics shares our commitment to improve financial literacy, and we see it as a valuable part of student success. We are excited about what we can accomplish together.”
ECU has deep roots in the region and a longstanding commitment to strengthening the communities it serves through financial services, education, volunteerism, and community investment. This expanded partnership reflects that service mission.
“Eastman Credit Union has been a tremendous partner to ETSU, and we are proud to expand upon our relationship. ECU is a fantastic fit for this opportunity,” said Van Wagner Vice President Trey Gilreath.
As part of building relationships and improving financial literacy, ECU will support service projects and provide special opportunities to engage with students on campus.
“Our mission is to empower students and help them realize that financial success is more than managing money. It’s about developing personal responsibility, planning ahead, and making informed decisions. The financial knowledge they build today will help them succeed personally and professionally, while preparing them to lead and serve in their communities,” said Price.
The agreement builds upon the relationship between ETSU Athletics and Eastman Credit Union. With the ECU logo appearing on both the men’s and women’s basketball and baseball, the partnership will provide Eastman Credit Union with visibility as the Buccaneers compete throughout the region and across the country.
Facilitated by Van Wagner, ETSU Athletics’ multimedia rights and corporate partnerships partner, the agreement will place the ECU logo on the uniforms of ETSU Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball and Baseball throughout the regular season.
The Eastman Credit Union jersey patch made its debut on Sunday, Oct, 25, at the men’s basketball charity exhibition game versus High Point inside Freedom Hall.
About Eastman Credit Union
Eastman Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee. Serving areas of Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and East Texas, ECU is the 25th-largest credit union in the nation, with over 360,000 members and approximately 1,100 employees. For more information about ECU, visit ecu.org. Funds are federally insured by NCUA. Member Equal Housing Lender. Equal Opportunity Employer.
About Van Wagner
Van Wagner is a leading sports advertising and entertainment agency, with global expertise in live events, sponsorship sales, multimedia rights and aerial advertising. Van Wagner creates, advises and sells on behalf of world-class teams, leagues, brands and properties. An innovator in the sports and media business, Van Wagner is a global leader in high-impact broadcast visible signage throughout the NCAA, MLB, NBA, and international soccer, as well as collegiate multimedia rights and in-venue content production at the world’s biggest sporting events. For more information, visit www.vanwagner.com.
