Seattle Storm Announce BECU as Partner for Performance Center

The Seattle Storm has renewed its partnership with BECU, Washington’s largest credit union, marking a significant milestone for both the franchise and the local community.

The team’s state-of-the-art training facility will now be called the BECU Storm Center for Basketball Performance, making it the first WNBA performance centre named after a sponsor for an independently owned team.

Commenting on this partnership, Beverly Anderson, president and CEO of BECU, said: “BECU is immensely proud to support the creation of this world-class training facility that aids one of the most inspiring teams in the WNBA.”

 “With our expanded partnership, we are committed to working closely with the Storm to inspire youth through sports, enhance the financial health of the community, and create opportunities for all to thrive both on and off the court,” Anderson said.

Alisha Valavanis, president and CEO of the Seattle Storm, said: “BECU shares our passion for generating connection and community, one of the Storm’s key tenets.”

“Through their unwavering support, we realised this groundbreaking facility that not only caters to our elite athletes but also lays the groundwork for accessible basketball programs aimed at children who may otherwise lack such opportunities.

“We aspire to inspire and cultivate the next generation of basketball talent within our community while highlighting the importance of sustained investment in women’s sports,” she said.

This renewed collaboration, which has spanned nearly a decade, focuses on fostering basketball participation, especially among historically underrepresented youth.

It also aims to enhance financial literacy and provide accessible opportunities for young athletes.

BECU played a key role in funding the facility’s construction and ongoing operational costs, helping bring the Storm’s vision to life.

As part of the renewed sponsorship, BECU will become the presenting partner of the Jr. Storm Community Hoops series, Together We Rise.

The initiative provides free basketball camps and clinics to up to 600 children each year, in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of King County and Rise Above.

BECU has also pledged $25,000 to support the Storm’s Kicks for Equality auction, benefiting non-profits aligned with the franchise’s charitable mission, Force4Change.

The partnership will be further highlighted at Climate Pledge Arena on May 25 with the unveiling of the BECU Court.

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