The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) has officially welcomed a new financial partner from Windsor, Ontario, marking a significant expansion of a long-standing local relationship into a province-wide alliance.
From Local Arena to League-Wide Partnership
This week, the OHL announced a new league-wide partnership with Windsor Family Credit Union (WFCU), naming the Windsor-based financial institution as the league's official financial partner. The deal, finalized in December 2025, represents a major step for the credit union, which has been a cornerstone sponsor of the Windsor Spitfires for more than two decades.
The connection is deeply rooted in the local community. WFCU holds the naming rights to the WFCU Centre, the home arena of the Spitfires. League and credit union officials both stated that this extensive local history made the transition to a league-wide partnership a logical and natural progression.
Aligning Community Values Across the Province
OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford emphasized the shared ethos between the league and its new partner. "We are thrilled to welcome WFCU as an official sponsor of the Ontario Hockey League," Crawford said in a statement. "Their strong community values align perfectly with the OHL’s mission to inspire and connect people through the game of hockey."
Under the terms of the multi-faceted agreement, WFCU Credit Union will receive exclusive sponsorship rights and branding opportunities across the entire OHL. This includes visibility with all member teams, from the Barrie Colts and Kingston Frontenacs to the Kitchener Rangers and London Knights.
Beyond Branding: Scholarships and Financial Literacy
The partnership extends far beyond traditional arena signage and jersey logos. WFCU is launching a dedicated scholarship program aimed at assisting OHL athletes in achieving their dual goals in athletics and education.
Furthermore, the credit union has committed to providing OHL players with financial literacy training and personalized support. This initiative is designed to help young athletes build essential money management skills as they navigate their careers and transition into adulthood.
Eddie Francis, CEO of WFCU Credit Union, highlighted the broader vision behind the deal. "Partnering with the OHL is an incredible opportunity for WFCU to engage with hockey fans and communities across the province," Francis said. "Our longstanding relationship with the Windsor Spitfires and the WFCU Centre reflects our commitment to supporting local communities and creating memorable experiences for sports fans."
Francis added, "We look forward to expanding our deep-rooted history with the OHL, helping athletes pursue their dreams in both hockey and education, while continuing to strengthen the communities we serve."
The agreement solidifies WFCU's position as a major player in Ontario's sports sponsorship landscape and underscores the credit union's growth strategy, which has recently included expansion into markets like Toronto and northern Ontario.
