Credit union-powered digital bank sponsors college sports

AlumniFi, a digital banking brand powered by Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, announced on Monday a three-year partnership with the Big East conference for National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletes.

Starting this season, AlumniFi will be an official partner of the Big East conference, which includes 10 men's and 12 women's sports across 11 universities throughout the Northeast and Midwest regions of the U.S. Schools in the conference include the University of Connecticut; Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.; and St. John's University in Queens, New York.

East Lansing-based MSUFCU is the largest university-based credit union in the U.S. and the second-largest credit union in Michigan, according to the company. It primarily serves students and alumni of Michigan State University and Oakland University. 

AlumniFi, the credit union's digital banking brand, offers high-yield savings and fee-free checking accounts for college graduates through MSUFCU and the National Credit Union Association.

"We're proud to join the Big East and connect with a community built on tradition, intensity, and alumni pride," said MSUFCU and AlumniFi CEO April Clobes. "This partnership brings benefits to Big East alumni, fans and students through exclusive game‑day experiences and financial tools that help them save, spend and grow on their own terms."

The partnership will bring visibility to AlumniFi at the Big East Women's and Men's basketball tournaments, leading up to the Men's Big East Basketball Championship game in March 2026 at Madison Square Garden.

Big East is widely considered one of the top conferences for college basketball, and the annual Men's Basketball Tournament is a highlight of the "March Madness" basketball playoffs. St. John's University won the most recent championship title in March 2025.

"We are grateful for this new partnership with AlumniFi," said Big East conference commissioner Val Ackerman. "Their forward-thinking approach to financial empowerment and support of our student-athletes through important financial literacy tools aligns with our continued commitment to develop Big East student-athletes both on and off the court."

The deal was brokered by sports media and marketing company Playfly Sports. Big East and Playfly also plan to work with select student-athletes from Big East schools to promote AlumniFi throughout the season.