CLEVELAND, OH (DEC. 2, 2025) – The Mid-American Conference (MAC) is proud to announce a partnership extension with Credit Union 1 (CU1), elevating the company to Presenting Partner of the MAC Football Championship Game in Detroit, MI and the Official Banking Partner of MAC Football.
As part of the expanded agreement, CU1 will receive enhanced championship integration, highlighted by two on-field logos placed at the 25-yard lines at Ford Field – home of the Detroit Lions – creating standout visibility during one of the conference’s most-watched events. CU1 will also be woven into signature elements of championship weekend, including the coin toss and trophy presentation with MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher.
“This expanded commitment reflects the strength of our partnership,” said Steinbrecher. “We are pleased to continue our work with Credit Union 1 and feature its brand on our championship stage.”
Building on CU1’s role as Presenting Partner of the MAC Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships, the extension highlights the increasing impact of the MAC’s year-round championship programming. With rising viewership, strong on-site attendance, and a loyal fan base, the MAC continues to provide partners with a dynamic platform that resonates across sports and communities.
“Our ongoing investment in MAC championship events reflects the connection the conference has with its student-athletes, fan base, campuses, and the broader communities we proudly serve,” said Credit Union 1 President and CEO Todd Gunderson. “Deepening our presence during the Football Championship allows us to continue supporting the success of MAC student-athletes on and off the field. We are proud our partnership with the MAC will continue to connect us with its communities, so we can provide valuable resources to help them reach their financial goals.”
JMI Sports, the exclusive multimedia rights partner of the MAC – operating locally as Mid-American Conference Marketing – played a key role in developing the extension. By aligning CU1’s strategic priorities with the conference’s championship-stage visibility, Mid-American Conference Marketing helped design a platform that amplifies CU1’s brand presence and ensures meaningful integration across the event experience.
“We are proud to support the continued growth of this partnership and help Credit Union 1 expand its footprint in communities where its customers are deeply engaged,” said Doug Nelson, Regional Vice President, JMIS Properties at JMI Sports. “This extension strengthens CU1’s visibility at one of the conference’s premier moments of the year and demonstrates the power of aligning strong brands with passionate fan bases.”
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About the Mid-American Conference (MAC)
The Mid-American Conference office is based in Cleveland, Ohio as the Conference office serves 13 full-time members and offers championships in 23 sports.
Founded in 1946, the Mid-American Conference is an NCAA Division I, 13-member conference that sponsors 23 championships and is one of ten members of the Football Bowl Subdivison (FBS). With total enrollment of nearly 300,000 students, the league represents institutions of higher learning in six states –Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, and Ohio.
For more information on the Mid-American Conference, visit GetSomeMACtion.com or follow @MACSports on our social platforms.
About Credit Union 1 (CU1)
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 convenient Digital and Mobile Banking, 130,000 surcharge-free ATMs, and more than 5,000 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.
About JMI Sports
JMI Sports is a leading media rights and venue development company that provides management of collegiate multimedia rights, sponsorship sales agency representation, and project management expertise for the development of collegiate and professional sports facilities. The company serves to maximize each client’s economic potential through customized initiatives, from marketing and branding solutions to facility design strategies.
JMI Sports’ signature collegiate multimedia rights partnerships include the University of Kentucky, the University of Utah, UCLA, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh, Harvard University, DePaul University, Columbia University, San Diego State University, University of California at San Diego, University of San Diego, and joint-venture properties of the University of Georgia (with Learfield) and University of Notre Dame (with Legends). JMI Sports also represents multimedia rights for several conferences, including the Ivy League, the Mid-American Conference, the Mountain West Conference, the Patriot League, and the Atlantic 10 and serves as third-party sales representation for premier sports properties, venues, and events including the Breeders’ Cup, Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, the Rose Bowl, and the Penn Relays.
JMI Sports was founded in 2006 by CEO Erik Judson and technology entrepreneur John Moores, former owner of the San Diego Padres. To learn more, please visit www.jmisports.com.
