Partnership also brands UWM as the team's exclusive mortgage partner
United Wholesale Mortgage has teamed up with the Detroit Pistons in a multi-year deal.
The Pontiac-based lender announced Thursday that it will be the team’s new official jersey sponsor and exclusive mortgage partner starting next season. The deal will see the UWM logo on the left front strap of the players’ jerseys – the same place where Flagstar Bank’s logo was until its partnership ended in May.
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“Our relationship with UWM will provide the opportunity to engage fans in a variety of ways by collaborating on off the court initiatives that honor those who serve and drive youth participation and excitement through basketball,” said Detroit Pistons vice chairman Arn Tellem.
UWM did not disclose the financial terms of the deal, but its CEO, Mat Ishbia, described the partnership as a win-win for both companies. Additionally, it will give the lender new exposure to Detroit Pistons and NBA fans.
“UWM has been embedded in metro Detroit for over 35 years. Our company culture and success has multiple ties to basketball and a team working together towards a common goal,” Ishbia said. “From my time playing basketball for Tom Izzo at Michigan State to the way we use sports terminology, teamwork mentality and relentless pursuit to improve ourselves each day, we are very aligned with the Pistons organization. We are excited to partner with the Pistons for years to come as we both continue to grow and achieve monumental goals for our organizations and the community.”
Ishbia added that they intend to leverage the partnership with the Pistons and NBA to catapult “national awareness of not only UWM but mortgage brokers across the country.”
The partnership will also see UWM supporting several of the team’s community initiatives, including its Hoops for Troops, Military Hero of the Game, Home on Sundays programs, and more.