IRVING, Texas – The Big 12 Conference today announced a multi-year partnership with Busey Bank, designating the institution as the Official Bank of the Big 12, the first official banking partner in the league's history. Busey Bank will play a vital role in connecting communities across the Big 12’s broad geographic reach while enhancing its brand recognition across key markets.
“As the Official Bank of the Big 12, we’re excited to highlight and support the talents and contributions of these outstanding student-athletes while bringing a memorable experience to the generations of fans,” added Deanna Capel, Chief Marketing Officer of Busey Bank. “From championship games to community impact, this partnership allows us to celebrate the spirit of competition while creating moments with those we serve.”
Busey Bank will participate in various Conference events and initiatives throughout the year, including championship games, fan experiences and community outreach programs. The partnership provides unique opportunities to engage with students and alumni from some of the nation’s most respected universities, while spotlighting Busey Bank’s ongoing efforts to foster growth and opportunity across its 10-state and 87 location footprint.
"We are thrilled to partner with Busey Bank as the first official banking partner in Big 12 history," said Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark. "Busey Bank is a fixture in our Conference's footprint that focuses on community engagement, and we look forward to growing our brands together and elevating Big 12 events."
This partnership represents a natural extension of Busey Bank’s longstanding mission—to serve as a trusted financial partner that helps individuals, families, and businesses achieve their dreams. Through partnerships like this, Busey continues to expand its presence, connecting with new audiences while giving back to the regions that have supported their growth for nearly 160 years.
“Busey Bank’s commitment to relationships and long-term impact makes them a natural partner for the Big 12," said Sean Desmond, Chief Revenue Officer of the Conference. "As we continue to elevate our conference, our institutions, and the communities we serve, Busey Bank will be a key strategic partner, especially in Kansas City.”
About Busey Bank
As of September 30, 2025, First Busey Corporation (Nasdaq: BUSE) was an $18.19 billion financial holding company headquartered in Leawood, Kansas.
Busey Bank, a wholly-owned bank subsidiary of First Busey Corporation headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, had total assets of $18.14 billion as of September 30, 2025. Busey Bank currently has 79 banking centers, with 21 in central Illinois markets, 17 in suburban Chicago markets, 20 in the St. Louis Metropolitan Statistical Area, four in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Statistical Area, three in the Kansas City Metropolitan Statistical Area, three in southwest Florida, three in Oklahoma, three in Colorado, two in Arizona, one in Indianapolis, Indiana, one in Wichita, Kansas, and one in Clayton, New Mexico. More information about Busey Bank can be found at busey.com.
About the Big 12 Conference
The Big 12 enters its 30th year as one of the nation’s premier conferences in college athletics under the leadership of Commissioner Brett Yormark. Since joining the Conference in August 2022, Yormark has elevated the Big 12 to new heights, emphasizing marketing, brand building and instilling an innovative strategy that has resonated across the college athletics landscape. The Conference is composed of 16 universities spanning 10 states and four time zones. The Big 12 members include Arizona, Arizona State, Baylor, BYU, UCF, Cincinnati, Colorado, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, TCU, Texas Tech, Utah and West Virginia.
The Big 12 began play in 1996 and is the home of 92 team NCAA national championships, and 775 individual national champions. The Big 12 Conference office is located in Irving, Texas.