The Buffalo Sabres have announced a 10-year extension of their arena naming rights agreement with KeyBank. The new contract will begin in the 2026-27 season and continue through the 2035-36 season, ensuring that the venue will remain known as KeyBank Center.
Buffalo Sabres Owner, CEO and President Terry Pegula and KeyCorp Chairman and CEO Chris Gorman are scheduled to make an official announcement at the KeyBank Center pavilion.
“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 Buffalo Sabres Owner, CEO and President Terry Pegula. “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.”
“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. “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.”
The agreement also introduces KeyBank as the away helmet sponsor for the team starting with the 2025-26 season. The partnership between KeyBank and the Sabres began in 2015, showing both organizations’ ongoing commitment to Western New York.
A new initiative called HocKey Assists Community Program will be launched as part of this extended partnership. The program aims to support youth, promote small business growth, highlight local entrepreneurs’ stories, and engage communities through outreach efforts.
“KeyBank and the Sabres both believe that when our community thrives, we all thrive,” said KeyBank Buffalo Market President Mike McMahon. “That’s why we are excited to launch our new HocKey Assists initiative which aims to empower youth, uplift local entrepreneurs, and unite communities through impactful, grassroots programs. As we celebrate KeyBank’s bicentennial, our partnership with the Sabres is a symbol of our commitment to making a difference in Buffalo and all of the communities we call home.”
“Creating a community hub remains a core aspect of our mission at KeyBank Center,” said Buffalo Sabres COO Pete Guelli. “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.”
Starting from 2026-27, those who bank with KeyBank will receive exclusive benefits when attending events at KeyBank Center. Excel Consulting Services assisted both parties during negotiations for this extension.
