First Entertainment Credit Union (“First Entertainment”) and the Los Angeles Lakers launched the Lakers Debit Card as the next step in their multi-year sponsorship agreement, which aims to connect First Entertainment members to exclusive moments and experiences with the 16-time NBA championship team.
The Lakers Debit Card, which will be available starting in September, follows the Spring 2020 announcement of the sponsorship agreement between the Lakers and First Entertainment. Separately, First Entertainment and power forward Anthony Davis entered into an individual sponsorship arrangement in March, when Davis stepped into the role of the institution’s first official brand ambassador with an ad campaign and TV spot titled “All Dreams Apply Here.”
Both of these sponsorship arrangements are first steps in expanding First Entertainment’s brand story within the local Los Angeles lifestyle and entertainment space, and the Lakers-branded affinity debit card allows First Entertainment members to bring their passion for the team to their finances.
To celebrate the launch of the themed card, Davis and First Entertainment designed a first-look Limited-Edition Lakers Kit which will be randomly awarded to individuals who enter a First Entertainment / Lakers sponsored sweepstakes. The limited-edition kits to be given away as prizes in the sweepstakes are inspired by those Davis and First Entertainment gifted to each team member of the Lakers for the return of the 2019-2020 NBA season. First Entertainment members can sign up for the First Entertainment Lakers® Debit Card today at FirstEnt.org/Lakers. To learn more about how to enter the sweepstakes for a chance to be awarded one of the first-look Limited-Edition Lakers Kits from Anthony Davis and First Entertainment, see the official sweepstakes rules here.
“Further establishing the relationship between the Lakers organization and First Entertainment is an endeavor we don’t take lightly, especially in a time when we’re missing events that have long played a critical part in creating a sense of community and home for Lakers fans,” said Amondo Redmond, Chief Marketing Officer at First Entertainment Credit Union. “The Lakers® Debit Card is another way for us to tap into the rich legacy of both the Lakers and First Entertainment organizations while giving our passionate and creative membership a way to express their love for one of the greatest teams to ever play the game.”
“From the moment I joined the Lakers, I’ve looked for ways to build stronger connections to the city and to our dedicated fans,” said Anthony Davis. “First Entertainment has been a great partner for me in exploring ways to support the community. First Entertainment’s Lakers® Debit Card presents a way for all of us to celebrate the partnership that has brought so many of us together, no matter where we are or where we’re from.”
First Entertainment views the branded affinity debit card as a way for fans to bring their Lakers team pride to their wallet, while celebrating the unique cross-section between these two long-standing pillars of the Los Angeles community. The Lakers® Debit Card further pushes the financial institution in the direction of a lifestyle and entertainment brand that is determined to serve the region in a variety of ways that speak specifically to the needs, interests and passions of the community.
As part of the overall Lakers sponsorship, First Entertainment and the Lakers are also working to increase awareness of the importance of financial literacy and responsibility, and will soon launch initiatives that aim to educate students and young adults. More details to come soon.
