Wells Fargo has signed a five-year extension of its sponsorship for Univ. of North Carolina athletics that will see the bank continue as UNC’s exclusive financial services partner. Wells Fargo VP/Sponsorships Nick Carey did not disclose financial terms of the deal, which continues a relationship that began in '03 with Wachovia. Negotiations on the deal were handled directly by Wells Fargo. Carey said that the deal will not include on-court branding at the Dean E. Smith Center, but the bank will be showcased prominently on court-side rotational boards as well as LED ribbons throughout the arena. Wells Fargo also will have new signage inside Kenan Stadium, Fetzer Field and Boshamer Stadium, Carey said. Additionally, the bank starting this year will provide a pair of post-graduate scholarships for athletes pursuing a degree and will partner with UNC to provide financial education to athletes through the Baddour Carolina Leadership Academy. The athletes’ financial education program will include learning basic functions like managing credit or balancing a check book. Carey said, "This is something we’re really excited about. We're just trying to think outside of this traditional sponsorship box here."
