Relyance Bank and the Watson Chapel School District have agreed to a 15-year sponsorship deal that grants the financial institution naming rights to the district’s new high school basketball arena.
In a special board meeting Friday, the district moved to accept a one-time payment of $500,000 from Relyance, granting the bank the status of “distinguished sponsor” for all events associated with the WCSD. The arena is under construction with the rest of the new Watson Chapel High School, scheduled for completion in March 2026.
“The Distinguished Sponsorship from Relyance Bank reflects the shared commitment between WCSD and local stakeholders to ensure the highest-quality educational environment for our students,” McGee said in a district memo. “This partnership not only enhances financial resources for the District but also builds trust, visibility and community engagement.”
Under the agreement, which WCSD Superintendent Keith McGee signed immediately after the meeting, Relyance Bank signage will be prominently displayed in a manner consistent with distinguished sponsorship on the arena and within its entrance. Relyance Bank is agreeing to the cost and installation of the signage.
Other terms of the agreement:
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
No other financial institution will have marketing on the arena floor.
Any advertising opportunities offered by the WCSD will automatically include Relyance Bank “in the same format as all other companies, in which Relyance Bank is noted as the distinguished sponsor.”
Relyance Bank will remain as the primary banking partner for the district during the term of the agreement.
At the end of the agreement, Relyance Bank has the right of first refusal for continued distinguished sponsorship.
Board members also moved to transfer $400,000 from the operating fund to the district building fund and $574,705.30 to the net legal balance fund to meet state guidelines of only carrying forward 20% of the net legal balance. The district was $974,705.30 over that limit.