First Leisure CU, LA Lakers Sponsorship Deal Takes Subsequent Step Into Debit Playing cards

First Entertainment CU / Lakers debit card design. (Source: First Entertainment CU)

Following the announcement of a major sponsorship deal for several seasons in the spring, First Entertainment Credit Union and the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team are launching a new Lakers-themed debit card aimed at “connecting members to exclusive moments and experiences.” The Hollywood, California-based credit union said.

The Lakers® Debit Card, which will be available in September, is propelling the long-standing financial organization in Los Angeles “towards a lifestyle and entertainment brand,” according to a press release from the credit union last week. Lakers-branded affinity debit card.

First Entertainment, with assets of $ 1.6 billion and approximately 87,000 members, said that as it expands its well-known brand in LA, “it is determined to serve the region in a variety of ways, tailored to meet its needs, interests and passions from LA enter the community. “

In early March, the credit union, which was founded by Warner Bros. Studio employees more than 50 years ago, announced the new Lakers sponsorship deal – though the financial terms weren’t disclosed – and said the partnership would include branding and promotions within of the company’s home games at the STAPLES Center for Lakers as well as live themed events and advertising in the Los Angeles area.

At the same time in March, First Entertainment announced and entered into an individual partnership with All-Star Lakers striker Anthony Davis. In this separate deal with Davis, who worked with the credit union on a video promoting financial literacy in Los Angeles, the 6-foot-10 gamer becomes the institution’s first official brand ambassador with an ad campaign and TV spot titled “All Dreams Apply Here,” says First Entertainment.

The Lakers and Davis dealings were unique to the credit union, First Entertainment said. When announcing the new Lakers debit card, the credit union said, “Both sponsorship agreements are first steps in expanding First Entertainment’s brand history in the local Los Angeles lifestyle and entertainment space, and the Lakers brand affinity debit card enables First Entertainment Members bring their passion for the team into their finances. “

“Further building the relationship between the Lakers organization and First Entertainment is an endeavor that we will not take lightly, especially at a time when there is a lack of events that have long been instrumental in creating a sense of community for Lakers fans “Said Amondo Redmond, First Entertainment’s chief marketing officer, in the press release.

Davis said, “The Lakers® Debit Card from First Entertainment is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate the partnership that has brought so many of us together, no matter where we are or where we are from.”