BMO Financial Group has become the exclusive official bank of the Los Angeles Lakers through a new long-term partnership that will see the financial services company expand its brand presence across one of the NBA’s most valuable sports properties from the 2026-27 season.
The partnership will give BMO a broad portfolio of commercial assets, led by its role as the presenting partner of Lakers Training Camp. BMO branding will also appear on the Lakers’ newly designed practice jerseys, providing visibility around the team’s preparation and training activities.
As part of the agreement, the Lakers and BMO will introduce the BMO Courtside Reserve, a new premium floor-seating and club experience at Lakers games. The hospitality platform is expected to provide the bank with opportunities to engage clients, business leaders and high-value consumers while creating a new premium experience for supporters.
The partnership extends beyond traditional sponsorship inventory. BMO will present the League of Stars legacy programme, celebrating Lakers legends throughout the season, while the two organisations will also collaborate on financial empowerment initiatives and small-business spotlight programmes across Southern California.
Los Angeles Lakers President and Chief Business Officer Lon Rosen said, “Over decades, the Lakers have built passionate, generational fandom that starts in Los Angeles and extends everywhere, giving brands access to a star-studded platform of championships and glamour. Today, we are proud to extend that access to BMO with an extensive, high-value partnership that names BMO the exclusive official bank of the Los Angeles Lakers. Importantly, this landmark partnership signals a paradigm shift for how the Lakers will partner with brands moving forward, building and curating impactful programs to engage fans and serve shared businesses.”
President, BMO U.S. Aron Levine, added, “The Lakers bring people together across generations and cultures, creating connections that mirror how we approach our business. Through this partnership, we’re excited to support the communities we serve, create memorable experiences for fans, and help more clients make real financial progress. Southern California is an important growth market for BMO, and this partnership reflects our long-term investment in the region and the opportunities ahead.”
For BMO, the agreement provides a high-profile platform to deepen its presence in Southern California while connecting its consumer and commercial banking businesses with the Lakers’ extensive fan base. For the franchise, it represents a broader commercial model that integrates branding, hospitality, intellectual property and community initiatives within a single partnership.
The agreement will take effect with the start of the 2026-27 NBA season, positioning BMO alongside the Lakers as the franchise continues to develop more integrated and experience-led commercial partnerships.
