Cleveland, Ohio – November 24th, 2025 – Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is proud to announce two exciting additions to its sponsorship portfolio: multi-year partnerships with both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Kent State University Athletics.
These new sponsorships will not only elevate the airport’s visibility but also emphasize a continued strategic investment in the Northeast Ohio community.
“Expanding our partnerships through local universities and sports teams is a powerful way to strengthen our connections throughout Northeast Ohio,” said Megan O’Connell, Assistant Director of Marketing, Communications, and Guest Experience. “These collaborations not only expand visibility for CLE but also deepen our local talent pipeline and help ensure that students, fans, and families continue choosing Cleveland Hopkins International Airport as their airport of choice.”
CLE is the official airport travel partner of Kent State University Athletics. This partnership starts in 2025 and is a 3-year agreement.
This sponsorship includes marketing assets, including in-game promotions, branded materials, a dedicated social media series and more.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Cleveland Hopkins International Airport into the Golden Flashes family,” said Kent State’s Vice President & Director of Athletics Randale L. Richmond. “This partnership connects two strong Northeast Ohio brands and creates new ways to engage our fans, support our student-athletes, and highlight everything that makes Kent State a national leader in student success.”
CLE also signed a 3-year agreement that starts in 2025 as the official partner of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The partnership with the Cleveland Cavaliers includes dynamic social media content, a multi-level videoboard exposure, exclusive access to the team’s beloved service dog and more.
“At the Cleveland Cavaliers, our partnership with Cleveland Hopkins International Airport reflects the collaborative spirit and hometown pride that make Northeast Ohio so special,” said Allison Howard, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer for the Cleveland Cavaliers. “Together, we’re connecting students, fans and families while inviting travelers from across the country to experience all that Cleveland has to offer—from its vibrant culture and thriving sports community to the world-class hospitality that welcomes every visitor.”
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), Northeast Ohio’s Gateway to the World. Ohio’s busiest airport serves over 10,000,000 passengers annually. Ten passenger airlines offer over 130 daily departures to more than 40 nonstop destinations. There are also four all-cargo airlines serving CLE.
The launch of CLEvolution: The Campaign to Transform Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, marks a major investment to modernize CLE over the next decade. The evolution of this critical regional asset will not only revolutionize the air travel experience for local residents and visitors alike but also position Northeast Ohio for future growth and greater economic prosperity.
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About Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers, founded in 1970, are a professional basketball team in the NBA's Eastern Conference. The Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA Championship in 2016 while also taking the Eastern Conference crown in 2007, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Known for their community support, workplace diversity and local economic impact, the team plays at Rocket Arena in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Both the Cavaliers and Rocket Arena are part of Rock Entertainment Group, the umbrella entity of sports and entertainment properties under the Dan Gilbert ROCK Family of Companies. The Cavaliers and Rocket Arena provide fans with the best experience in the NBA with an extensive and stunning array of amenities, technology and signature, electrifying game presentation. Dan Gilbert is Chairman of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Nic Barlage is the Cavaliers, Rocket Arena and Rock Entertainment Group CEO, and the Cavaliers team is led by President of Basketball Operations Koby Altman, General Manager Mike Gansey and Head Coach Kenny Atkinson.