Bank of the West Extends Sponsorship of Pac-12 Conference

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank of the West today announced it has extended its sponsorship of the Pac-12 Conference for two years, maintaining its position as an official sponsor and the official banking partner of the Conference. The bank has been a Pac-12 sponsor since 2010.

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Along with public engagement through on-site branding, experiential marketing and social media, the extended sponsorship includes new opportunity to engage with sports fans through the Conference's recently launched Pac-12 Networks, as well as their expanding tablet and mobile access. Bank of the West also services the commercial banking needs of the Conference, which recently included financing the Pac-12's new San Francisco corporate offices and broadcast facility.

"We're pleased to deepen our ties with the Pac-12 Conference, an organization that upholds its strong tradition as the 'Conference of Champions'  and reflects our own core values of excellence and performance," said Bank of the West President and COO Maura Markus.

The Pac-12, known for its students' academic achievements and superior athletic performance, boasts an impressive record of championships per year. Since the 1999 – 2000 season, the Pac-12 has won 119 NCAA team titles, including nine in 2011-12.  While football and basketball have the most visibility, Pac-12 athletes excel in Olympic sports such as cross country, swimming, diving, wrestling, gymnastics, golf, track and field, tennis and rowing. According to the Pac-12, if the Conference were a nation, it would have ranked fifth overall in the medal count at the London Olympics with 45 medals – 10 gold, 14 silver and 12 bronze.

"In sponsoring the Pac-12 Conference, we're also supporting the tremendous student athletes who are dedicated to bringing their best while demonstrating good sportsmanship and maintaining their academic excellence. They embody what we've called the "spirit of the west" – it's a spirit that drives us to achieve more and do more. We wish all the Pac-12 athletes the best of luck in their respective sports and wherever their future endeavors take them," said Markus.

"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Bank of the West," said Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott. "Bank of the West's proud tradition for active involvement and support of their local communities is a great match with our drive to develop championship events that benefit our student-athletes and universities, as well as our Pac-12 fans."

Beyond Bank of the West's sponsorship of the Pac-12 Conference, the bank also sponsors collegiate athletics departments within and outside the Conference, including U.C. Berkeley, UCLA, the University of Colorado, University of Oregon, the University of New Mexico, University of Nebraska, Fresno State and San Jose State.  

About Bank of the West

Founded in 1874, $63 billion-asset Bank of the West (www.bankofthewest.com), member FDIC and equal housing lender, offers a wide range of personal, commercial, wealth management and international banking services. The bank operates more than 700 retail and commercial banking locations in 19 Western and Midwestern states. Bank of the West is a subsidiary of BNP Paribas, which has a presence in 80 countries with nearly 200,000 employees.

SOURCE Bank of the West