WILMINGTON, N.C., Sept. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Live Oak Bank has been named the Official Business Bank of UNCW Athletics under a multi-year agreement, expanding a relationship that already includes title sponsorship of the Live Oak Bank Holiday Classic men's basketball tournament.

The agreement gives Live Oak year-round presence across Seahawk athletics, including men’s and women’s basketball at Trask Coliseum and baseball at Brooks Field.

UNCW has been a talent pipeline for Live Oak for years, with more than 200 alumni employed at the bank. The bank is a consistent participant in Business Week at the Cameron School of Business, and its employees regularly mentor and volunteer across the university.

"Live Oak is Wilmington’s hometown bank, and UNCW is a significant part of what makes this city a place where businesses can thrive," said William C. (BJ) Losch III, president of Live Oak. "More than 200 of our employees are UNCW graduates. Supporting Seahawk athletics is a direct investment in the university and the business community that has shaped our company."

"Bringing together two institutions that are so deeply connected to Wilmington makes this partnership especially meaningful," said UNCW Director of Athletics Michael Oblinger. "Live Oak Bank has been an incredible member of our community, and we are excited to build on our relationship and take it to the next level. Their commitment to UNCW and belief in the vision of Seahawk athletics reflects the shared values that make Wilmington such a special place to live, work and grow. We are grateful for their continued support and excited about the opportunities ahead as we work together to create an even greater impact for our student-athletes, our university and the greater Wilmington community."

The sponsorship also gives Live Oak a platform to reach Wilmington’s small business owners. The bank's mission is to serve America's small businesses, and its products include business loans, along with business checking and savings accounts. Live Oak also offers high-yield personal savings and CD accounts for savers in Wilmington and across the country.

About Live Oak Bank

Live Oak Bank, a subsidiary of Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE:LOB), is a digitally focused, FDIC-insured bank serving customers across the country. Live Oak brings efficiency and excellence to the banking process, without branches, by using a focused approach to technology and innovation. To learn more, visit liveoak.bank.

About the University of North Carolina Wilmington

UNC Wilmington, the state's coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching and mentoring with research and service. The university serves about 20,000 students and offers a full range of undergraduate and graduate-level programs, as well as select doctoral programs that address state needs. Learn more at uncw.edu.

Contact:

Madison Carlos

Live Oak Bank, Corporate Communications

910.386.6616

media.relations@liveoak.bank