Western Kentucky University Athletics and Kentucky’s own South Central Bank have agreed to a groundbreaking partnership that names South Central Bank the “Official Bank of WKU Football” and exclusive provider of the “Official Debit Card of WKU Athletics.”

As one of the region’s leading financial institutions for over 50 years, South Central Bank provides unparalleled service to consumers and businesses throughout Kentucky.

Formed in 1972, the bank’s assets have grown to nearly $1.7 billion. The success of South Central Bank can be attributed to its founder, Mr. Kenneth Bale, who always made it a priority of paying attention to the needs of local people in the communities the bank served and by investing in hard work with dedication and a strong commitment to succeed.

“We are a community bank that was built to serve this region. We are extremely excited about this partnership and being the Official Bank of Western Kentucky University Football,” said Tommy Ross, President & CEO of South Central Bank. “We share community-focused values with WKU and look forward to cheering on its talented student-athletes for years to come.”

“We are excited our relationship with Western Kentucky University will extend well into the future,” added Chris Whitfield, WKU Class of 2006 and Bowling Green Market President & General Counsel of South Central Bank. “As one of the oldest locally owned banks in the region, this relationship underscores our support of academics and student athletes.”

The agreement with South Central Bank is the largest sponsorship deal with a bank in WKU Athletics history and was secured by Hilltopper Sports Properties, the locally based team of Learfield – the media and technology company powering college athletics.

South Central Bank’s partnership with WKU will offer several Hilltopper student-athletes from various sports NIL opportunities as brand representatives for the bank, using their social media presence to promote South Central Bank’s products and services such as the WKU Athletics Debit Card.  South Central Bank has been trusted to be the Exclusive Provider of the Official WKU Athletics Debit Card for several years. The card is designed with the Hilltopper Fan in mind, featuring the iconic Red Towel.  This card is the perfect way to show the world your Hilltopper Pride! Hilltopper Fans can stop by any South Central Bank location and pick one up!

“We are excited to expand our partnership with South Central Bank as the Official Bank of WKU Football and Official Debit Card of WKU Athletics,” Director of Athletics Todd Stewart said. “Thank you to Tommy Ross, Chris Whitfield, Ruthie Bale and the entire team at South Central Bank for stepping up to support WKU Athletics through this enhanced partnership. Our student-athletes will benefit from South Central Bank’s support and through their ability to partner on NIL deals, and we could not be more thankful for their support of the Hilltoppers.”

“South Central Bank has been a long time partner of WKU Athletics and we are excited to be able to expand the partnership the next few years,” said Jennifer Starke, General Manager of Hilltopper Sports Properties.  “We are looking forward for South Central Bank to be the “Official Bank of WKU Football” along with using our Student-Athletes to promote their debit card in the Bowling Green market.”

Hilltopper Sports Properties is the exclusive multimedia rights holders for Western Kentucky University Athletics and handles all sponsorships and in-venue signage and advertising on behalf of the Hilltoppers.