Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - A relationship already 40 years strong is only just getting started.
M&T Bank and the Buffalo Bills announced on Wednesday a multi-year, long-term extension during a special event held to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their first sponsorship agreement, and the community impact they've made together in the years since.
M&T Bank will remain the "Official Bank of the Buffalo Bills", and also becomes a founding partner for the new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, which is set to open in 2026.
The brand partnership between the Bills and M&T Bank has become one of the longest-running active sponsorships in professional football.
"Already 40 years strong, this partnership is now poised to deliver an even greater impact for Western New York," said Eric Feldstein, M&T Bank Regional President for Western New York and Head of Business Banking. "We know that football brings our community together, and with this multi-year, long-term extension, M&T Bank is shouting loud that there's no place we'd rather be than 'Right here, right now!' Together, we'll keep working hard to make a difference for our neighbors and Bills fans everywhere."
In the new Highmark Stadium, M&T will serve as a founding partner, gaining access to unique opportunities to contribute to the in-stadium game day experience, alongside a prestigious group of brands.
Community impact will remain a priority for the now-extended partnership between the Bills and M&T Bank, as they have agreed to build on the foundation of one of their flagship programs, Touchdown for Teachers, and continue to grow their shared impact on the regional education system.
Since its launch, Touchdown for Teachers has recognized over 50 outstanding educators for their impact in their school communities and awarded more than $55,000 to schools across Western New York.
Additional features of the multi-year, long-term partnership extension include:
- M&T Bank will be a Training Camp Cornerstone Partner, securing robust brand exposure and new opportunities to engage with fans at camp practices and scrimmages;
- Bills-branded debit cards will remain exclusively available through M&T Bank;
- M&T Bank and the Bills will partner on an event series, including Chalk Talks, Financial Literacy Workshops, and Executive Speaker Panels;
- M&T will have opportunities to provide unique fan experiences and deliver community impact programs in collaboration with Bills players, alumni, coaches, and executives.
"M&T Bank and the Buffalo Bills built this successful partnership through our shared values – integrity, respect, working together, and following through," said Pete Guelli, Buffalo Bills EVP and Chief Operating Officer. "We have a humble-and-hungry mindset inside the Bills organization. It's a commitment to do the right thing and put in all the work necessary to succeed. It's an attitude that I see reflected by M&T Bank. They care about our community and consistently go above and beyond to deliver for Western New York – not for the praise, but because they feel a responsibility to help their hometown thrive. They're an outstanding partner, and we're excited to keep working together for many more years to come as we move across the street to the new Highmark Stadium."
An innovative partnership arrangement, the multi-year, long-term deal is structured to accommodate future changes in consumer behaviors and fan preferences, ensuring M&T can adapt and refine its programming to maximize value.