On Monday, Dec. 22, Villanova University Athletics and Santander US announced a multi-year partnership that names Santander the official retail bank partner of Villanova Athletics.
Santander awarded Villanova Athletics with a $1 million grant that will fund the scholarships of 50 Villanova student-athletes. The grant is a part of Santander’s $13 million initiative to fund colleges and universities across 2025 and 2026.
The partnership was in collaboration with Playfly Sports, a sports revenue maximization company and exclusive multimedia rights partner of Villanova Athletics. Playfly Sports, which works with over 2,000 brands, 100 professional teams and 65 college athletic departments, extended its partnership with Villanova Athletics in 2021 with a 10-year deal through the 2031-32 school year.
“Our partnership with Villanova University and its athletics program is a testament to our commitment to expanding access to the education, resources, and career-building expertise that empowers the next generation to navigate today’s evolving workplace with confidence and achieve long-term success,” President and CEO of Santander US Christiana Riley said in the release.
Santander has been the official bank of Villanova’s Big East opponent, Providence College, since 2021. They will remain the official partner bank of Providence through 2027.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Santander to diversify and deepen opportunities for student-athletes both in and out of the classroom,” Villanova Vice President and Director of Athletics Eric Roedl said in the release. “This partnership provides resources student-athletes need to pursue their athletic and academic goals, providing a platform to help them reach their full potential.”
Currently, Ardent Credit Union is an official credit union partner of Villanova Athletics. The deal with Santander will not affect Villanova Athletics’ partnership with Ardent Credit Union in any way, per a Villanova Athletics and Playfly spokesperson.
