The Buffalo Sabres and KeyBank have announced a 10-year extension of the arena’s naming rights deal with KeyBank, set to begin in 2026-27, will keep the KeyBank Center name in place through the 2035-36 season.
The bank first took on naming rights in 2016 after KeyCorp acquired First Niagara Bank.
KeyBank will also now be the sponsor seen on the Sabres white helmets for all of their away games.
“We are thankful for the support of KeyBank over the course of the last decade and look forward to the continued relationship with such a valued partner of the Buffalo Sabres,” said Buffalo Sabres owner, CEO and president Terry Pegula. “We take great pride in our home arena bearing the name of an organization with such strong roots in the Western New York community and feel this partnership will continue to drive community impact for many years to come.”
KeyBank and the Sabres are also introducing the HocKey Assists Community Program, which will empower youth and support local entrepreneurs through educational outreach, small business growth and grassroots engagement.
“We are thrilled to build upon our partnership with the Buffalo Sabres. This is an investment in Buffalo and reflects our commitment to this community,” said KeyCorp Chairman and CEO Chris Gorman. “KeyBank and the Sabres will continue to drive Buffalo forward, creating opportunities and delivering on our purpose: to help our clients and communities thrive. We believe in Buffalo’s future and are proud to carry it forward — together.”
Consulting firm Tripp Umbach recently conducted an economic impact study of KeyBank Center. According to Pegula, it showed that KeyBank Center creates nearly $700 million in revenue annually for Western New York.
“Doesn’t that, in a roundabout way if you think about it, show how important this arena, the teams that play in it and the acts that perform here, how important it is to Western New York,” Pegula said. “You got to think about it. Ordinary fan – I am talking to you right now. I am going to end with that and you can thank this arena for a lot that goes on in Western New York.”
The Sabres will open the 2025-26 season as they host the New York Rangers in their home opener at KeyBank Center on Oct. 9. They will also wrap up their season on home ice against the Dallas Stars on April 15.