Chiwuike Owunwanne, who serves as corporate responsibility officer for KeyBank, recalled his first concert at KeyBank Center during high school. He described the arena as more than just a venue, emphasizing its role as a gathering place for people in Western New York.
On Wednesday, the Buffalo Sabres and KeyBank announced a 10-year extension of their arena naming rights agreement, which will now run through the 2035-36 season. As part of this deal, KeyBank will also sponsor the team’s helmets for away games.
The partnership includes the launch of the HocKey Assists Community Program. This initiative aims to foster educational outreach, support small business growth, and encourage grassroots engagement throughout Western New York. “It makes me feel very proud to be part of KeyBank, an organization that is just incredibly tethered to the Buffalo community,” Owunwanne said. “I live here, I work here, I’m raising a family here. So, having organizations that are that deeply rooted in the community and are doing things to propel the community, all of that is super impactful.”
KeyBank is marking its bicentennial in 2025 and maintains its northeast headquarters in Buffalo with 59 branches across the region.
At an event announcing the extension, representatives from both organizations—including Sabres Owner, CEO and President Terry Pegula; COO Pete Guelli; KeyCorp Chairman and CEO Chris Gorman; and Buffalo Market President Mike McMahon—were joined by Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz and Mayor of Buffalo Chris Scanlon. They discussed how KeyBank Center contributes economically to Buffalo.
Pegula referenced a study by consulting firm Tripp Umbach showing that KeyBank Center generated $694.2 million in economic impact during 2023. The arena supported jobs for 3,822 people and contributed $48.6 million in taxes.
“This arena is a cornerstone of the economy in Western New York,” Pegula said.
COO Pete Guelli has focused on increasing events at KeyBank Center since taking over his role in 2024. The arena expects to host about 140 events in 2025—up from an average of roughly 120—with plans to reach up to 200 events annually.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz highlighted how these events benefit local finances: “Every time this arena is full and every time the football stadium is full with paid tickets in which there’s sales tax involved, that benefits the entire community… Every time this arena’s lights are on, it helps ensure the future of our community, our school districts.”
Pegula privately funded recent upgrades at KeyBank Center such as a new roof and videoboard before last season—a cost that would have otherwise fallen on Erie County taxpayers according to Poloncarz.
The Sabres are considering further improvements for the facility while continuing discussions with county officials regarding possible lease extensions ranging from five to ten years.
“Our goal is to make sure this team is here long term and well situated,” Guelli said. “We think this building is a catalyst for growth in downtown Buffalo. That’s why we’re trying to program as many nights a year as we possibly can.”
KeyBank has been supporting these efforts since first acquiring naming rights in 2016.
“Buffalo is a critical part of our story and who we are today,” Gorman said. “We proudly display our name here as a symbol of our belief in Buffalo. It’s not just branding. It’s about a promise that we are here, we care, and we are invested in helping Buffalo continue to thrive.”
