Bruce Van Saun, CEO of Citizens Financial Group, sees a lot of upside for Philadelphia and its economy, and much of it is connected to its naming rights deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, writes Jeff Blumenthal for the Philadelphia Business Journal.

This year marks the 21st year of a 25-year, $95 million naming rights agreement between the two parties.

Van Saun said the deal has been great for the bank and its exposure in Philadelphia and beyond.

The exposure has been aided over the past 20 years by the Phillies’ hot steaks during the early days of the deal including winning five straight division titles and winning a World Series championship between 2007 and 2011.

After a decade-long dry spell, the team went on to make two deep playoff runs over the past two seasons, including a World Series appearance in 2022.

“I think the association with the Phillies furnishes our brand and has been good for our visibility,” Van Saun said. “And I think having Citizens as the partner [has been] good for them too.”

Beyond the stadium naming rights in Philadelphia, Van Saun is also keeping an eye on bank retail market competitors locally.

Read more about Citizens Financial Group’s plans for the future in the Philadelphia market for the Philadelphia Business Journal.

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