Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Buffalo Sabres announced on Wednesday a new 10-year extension of the arena naming rights deal with KeyBank, keeping the KeyBank Center name in place through the 2035-36 season.
"We are thankful for the support of KeyBank over the course of the last decade, and look forward to the continued relationship with such a valued partner of the Buffalo Sabres," said Sabres owner, CEO and President Terry Pegula in a statement. "We take great pride in our home arena bearing the name of an organization with such strong roots in the Western New York community and feel this partnership will continue to drive community impact for many years to come."
In addition to the arena naming rights, the longstanding partnership between the Sabres and KeyBank will introduce KeyBank as the team’s away helmet sponsor starting in the 2025-26 season.
KeyBank’s collaboration with the Sabres dates back to 2015, and reinforces the commitment of both organizations to the Western New York community.
"We are thrilled to build upon our partnership with the Buffalo Sabres. This is an investment in Buffalo and reflects our commitment to this community," said KeyCorp Chairman and CEO, Chris Gorman in a statement. "KeyBank and the Sabres will continue to drive Buffalo forward, creating opportunities and delivering on our purpose: to help our clients and communities thrive. We believe in Buffalo’s future and are proud to carry it forward — together."
KeyBank and the Sabres’ dedication to giving back to the City of Buffalo and the greater Western New York region will continue with the introduction of the HocKey Assists Community Program. The mission of HocKey Assists is to inspire pride and possibility throughout Western New York.
Through educational outreach, small business growth and grassroots engagement, this program will empower and support youth, spotlight the unique journeys of local entrepreneurs and bring people together through impactful programs in local neighborhoods.
"Creating a community hub remains a core aspect of our mission at KeyBank Center," said Sabres COO Pete Guelli in a statement. "We see tremendous value in KeyBank Center serving as a gathering place in our city and nothing exemplifies this more than the KeyBank commitment. Additionally, KeyBank Center holds the unique ability to impact and drive economic growth in downtown Buffalo that can create a lasting impact in the community. Tied in with the HocKey Assists program, this partnership stands to benefit our community in immeasurable ways."
As part of the continued partnership, KeyBank customers will enjoy exclusive benefits when attending games, concerts and events at KeyBank Center, starting during the 2026-27 hockey season.
The Sabres will be hosting a press conference regarding this announcement at 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Representatives from the Sabres, KeyBank, the City of Buffalo and Erie County are all expected to be in attendance.