NORTHERN CALIF. — Sutter Health is proud to announce the long-term renewal of its sponsorship of Cal Athletics and Cal Bear Sports Properties, extending its role as the Exclusive Healthcare Partner through the 2030–2031 academic year. This renewed commitment builds on a strong foundation first established in 2016 and most recently renewed in July 2023.

As part of this extended agreement, Sutter continues its support of Cal Athletics, University of California, Berkeley student-athletes, fans and the broader East Bay community through a wide range of initiatives promoting health, wellness and opportunity.

“Sutter Health is honored to continue our collaboration with Cal Athletics,” said Jennifer Bollinger, Senior Vice President, Chief Consumer and Brand Officer for Sutter Health. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to community well-being, youth development and the holistic success of student-athletes both on and off the field.”

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Sutter Health,” Cal Director of Athletics Jim Knowlton said. “Sutter Health’s support of our department and community has been invaluable, and we look forward to more of the visibility and engagement the sponsorship provides.”

“The Sutter Health team has been a terrific partner, but even more importantly a tremendous healthcare provider for our student-athletes and Bears fans all over California,” added Joey Swanner, General Manager of Cal Bears Sports Properties. “We’re thrilled to continue and expand our longstanding relationship with them as the Exclusive Healthcare Partner of Cal Athletics.”

Key Elements of the Partnership Include:

• Brand Visibility Across Sports: Sutter will maintain a strong presence across multiple Cal Athletics programs, including football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, aquatics and gymnastics, with signage and branding opportunities throughout the year.
• Family and Youth Engagement: Sutter will continue its sponsorship of the Football Kid Zone, creating a welcoming and fun environment for families and young fans. This year Sutter’s Football Gameday Sponsorship is set for October 17 vs. North Carolina.
• Empowering Girls in Sports: As presenting sponsor of “Go Girls! Go Play! Go Bears!” Sutter will help ensure girls have access to sports and physical activity, reinforcing the importance of equity in athletics from an early age.
• Student-Athlete Development: In collaboration with the Cameron Institute for Student-Athlete Development, Sutter will support initiatives that help student-athletes thrive academically, athletically and professionally. This includes career development and job shadowing opportunities designed to prepare student-athletes for life beyond college sports. Investment in programs aimed at interesting students in healthcare careers is part of Sutter’s strategy to grow the workforce of tomorrow and become the best place to work and practice.
• Community Commitment: This extended agreement reaffirms Sutter’s dedication to the East Bay community, aligning with the not-for-profit health system’s goals to advance care, improve health outcomes and create lasting impact through education, engagement and empowerment.

“We’re excited to continue building on nearly a decade of collaboration with Cal Athletics,” added Bollinger. “Together, we’re not only supporting athletic excellence but also investing in the future of our youth and our communities in the East Bay and beyond.”

Cal Bears Sports Properties, the locally based team of Learfield – the media and technology company powering college athletics – is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for Cal Athletics and oversees all sponsorship agreements on behalf of the Bears.