Evansville, Indiana, May 9, 2026, 13:02 (CDT)
- Old National Bank rolled out Fever-branded debit and credit cards, plus checks, just as the Indiana Fever prepared for their season opener.
- The rollout builds on a 2025 bank partnership, which already features Fever radio broadcasts along with small-business promos.
- Other WNBA franchises have already been linking their financial-services sponsors with small-business and community initiatives. This move follows that trend.
Old National Bank and the WNBA’s Indiana Fever rolled out a new lineup of co-branded debit cards, credit cards, and checks on Saturday, just as the Fever took the court for their 2026 season opener against the Dallas Wings. These products feature both the bank’s and the team’s logos.
Timing is everything here. The cards drop right as the Fever kick off their home slate at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, putting Old National in front of fans again—this time with more than just arena branding or radio spots.
Old National, which handles banking for the Fever, says clients can now pick up Fever-themed cards and checks at branches statewide. Opening select checking accounts gets customers a Fever debit card option, while a Fever-branded Old National Visa rewards credit card is also on the table. There are also Fever checks, which can be ordered with any checking account.
Amber Cox, chief operating officer and general manager for the Fever, said the product lets fans keep their team ties visible “from game day to everyday purchases.” Jim Stadler, Old National’s chief marketing officer, described the cards and checks as “an additional way” fans can display their loyalty. OurSports Central
This partnership goes beyond debit and credit cards. As of the 2025 WNBA season, Old National carries the title of official bank partner for the Fever, while its name also tops the Old National Bank Radio Network, which airs Fever games on 93.5/107.5 The Fan. Both groups collaborate on small-business initiatives throughout the season.
The Indiana Fever Small Business Assist Program—backed by Old National—is taking nominations from Indiana residents 18 and up, either nominating themselves or another small-business owner. Finalists are promised Fever tickets, a social media spotlight video, and a moment on court. One grand prize winner will walk away with $5,000 from the bank.
The offer comes with restrictions. Organizers will name seven finalists, each taking home a small prize worth $310. One grand prize winner gets $5,600 in value, which covers a $5,000 check and four Fever tickets. Entries are accepted between April 28 and July 28, 2026, with a 5 p.m. cutoff in Indianapolis.
Old National pitches its Empowerment Small Business Loan Program as an alternative option for companies unable to meet standard underwriting criteria. According to the bank, qualified firms can access as much as $5 million through broadened requirements—think lower credit score thresholds and tweaked collateral rules. The program targets businesses in Chicago, Evansville, Indianapolis, Louisville, Milwaukee, Grand Rapids, Minneapolis/St. Paul, and Nashville.
The program has become central to the lender’s community message. In a November update, Old National reported $45 million in loans greenlit under its Empowerment program since its 2023 debut—and 37% of those dollars went to Chicago’s small businesses. “Transformative opportunity,” is how chief strategic business partnership officer Roland Shelton described it. Community lending executive Monica Rubio pointed to capital access as a factor shaping a firm’s “growth and sustainability.” Old National Bank
Other teams are striking similar deals. Earlier this week, the Atlanta Dream unveiled Lendistry as its official small-business lender in a multi-year agreement. The Chicago Sky, for its part, tapped Lendistry for the same role on April 28, connecting the partnership to a women’s small-business program.
There’s a risk here: fans don’t always turn into new accounts, more loans, or steady revenue. Credit card approvals aren’t automatic. Small-business prizes have limits, and according to program rules, nomination details aren’t factored into credit decisions, lending, or account openings for any financial products.
Old National, with $73 billion in assets, is using the deal to stake a bigger claim in Indiana’s sports scene and small business outreach. For the Fever, it’s one more sponsor as WNBA teams move beyond courtside ads, pushing into community initiatives and day-to-day consumer engagement.
