The Browns and Cleveland-based KeyBank have "agreed to a long-term partnership that makes Key Private Bank the official wealth management, private bank of the team," according to Kevin Kleps of CRAIN's CLEVELAND BUSINESS. The multiyear contract includes "new signage throughout FirstEnergy Stadium, naming rights to the stadium's premium club and joint initiatives that will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland." The Browns in '12 "extended a partnership with PNC Bank that included the Pittsburgh-based company becoming the team's official bank." That deal "expired in February, and the Browns decided to split their banking sponsorships -- with the intention of having official retail and private banks." Browns Exec VP & CRO Brent Stehlik said that with KeyBank "aboard on the private side, the Browns are hoping to announce an official partner on the retail side soon." He said a retail partner is "significant," because of all the potential "touch points" a retail bank can provide between the team and its fans. As part of the agreement, the premium club on the south side of FirstEnergy Stadium, "formerly the Cleveland Club, is now the KeyBank Club." Browns VP/Corporate Sponsorships Randy Domain said, "Our highest-end clients are in that area. It certainly makes sense for Key to be entitling in that area." For KeyBank, the deal with the Browns "gives the bank extensive partnerships with Cleveland's three major sports teams" (CRAINSCLEVELAND.com, 6/29).
