The sentiments regarding Arizona's latest naming rights adventure? If it was a Yelp review, it wouldn't have the lowest rating, but it certainly wouldn't have a five-star review if you surveyed UA fans.
It's a mixed bag. Arizona is just over a week into its agreement with Alkeme for naming rights to McKale Center, which is now officially called McKale Center at Alkeme Arena.
Arizona's deal with Alkeme, an insurance services firm, is worth $27.7 million over 15 years. It's the latest naming rights adventure for Arizona, which also has a 20-year, $60 million deal with Casino Del Sol for naming rights to Arizona Stadium.
If Alkeme CEO and UA alumnus Curtis Barton was calling all the shots, Arizona's iconic arena — often called "McKale" by folks around Tucson — would just go by Alkeme Arena.
“But I also have the ability to look back and understand," Barton said. "I read the (fan message) boards, and I have respect for for the traditions from (legendary coach) Lute Olson and (former coach and athletic director) Pop McKale.”
Alkeme chief executive officer Curtis Barton, left, and UA athletic director Desireé Reed-Francois hold a press conference for the renaming of McKale Center, Feb. 13, 2026. McKale Center is now McKale Center at Alkeme Arena.
Barton said he knew “exactly what (McKale) means to the university and we don’t want to take away from that.”
When Alkeme landed the deal with Arizona, Barton expected pushback from UA fans protective of the longtime name of Arizona's arena.
“I think there's always going to be that," Barton said. "The world's shifting, and pushback is natural, and you have two choices. You can either lean in or you can lean back. I think you have to be respectful of the past, but be thoughtful of the future.
“We build our company to meet the future. I think (Arizona athletic director Desireé Reed-Francois) is building the athletics department and team to meet the future of athletics. We understand that it's complex for people to wrap their head around that sometimes.”
Fans weighed in on Arizona's naming rights agreement with Alkeme, on X.com. Here's what they said:
– Andy Braun: "Adapt or die. I think it’s great that a company is willing to invest in our basketball program. All the other high majors are doing it, and if they haven’t yet? They will. Why delay the inevitable. Better to be the first at the table, when market values are set. It’s only positive."
Curtis Barton, chief executive officer for Alkeme, speaks to the media during a press conference for the renaming of UA's McKale Center to McKale Center at Alkeme Arena, Feb. 13, 2026.
– Cheryl: "I think it’s awesome we have successful alum that are proud of UofA and willing to generously donate. The naming portion of the gift was done respectfully. I hope (Alkeme) receives deserved goodwill."
– Tyler Worden: "Ask yourself this … you’re talking to a coworker about the upcoming Arizona basketball game and they ask where the game is at. You’re going to say 'McKale' and Arizona gets $2 million/year in the process. A total win-win for Arizona."
– Paloma: "Not a fan. It’s always going to be McKale Center."
– Lan Allen: "It’s a new world. No naming we get left behind. Glad we found someone willing to keep the name and fans and alumni is awesome. Best possible scenario."
– Gazoo: "Replacing ARIZONA on the baseline was a big no-no. Without that, it was fine, and expected. But that baseline belongs to the players, alumni and coaches who made this a powerhouse program. It's the ARIZONA Wildcats, not ALKEME Wildcats."
Arizona guard Mireia Jurado (8) heads onto the court over the new corporate sponsor logo, Alkeme, for the Wildcats’ game against Colorado, Feb. 17, 2026, in Tucson.
– Robin Gwozdz: "As a #LoyalSinceSnowden fan, I support it. They kept McKale at the start of the name. They have a partnership with a company that is led by Wildcat alumni and has committed to a long term relationship. It is a well thought out decision in a new landscape for college sports."
– Tom Smallwood: "I am good with it if the money is spent well."
– Coach Skidz: "Alkeme owned by alumni, we still call it McKale, and we get 27mil! Who loses? All the reactionaries with their panties in a twist are probably the same Sallies all freaking out because we lost a couple games to good teams after a historic winning streak. BTFD."
– Don Lipsy: "It’s a no-lose proposition. Hats off to the Alkeme guys for writing a sizable check that will help with renovations and modernization. Zero impact to the fans who will never remember any name but McKale."
– 87 Cat: "I'm OK with selling the rights but please take it off the baseline. That should be reserved for Arizona."
– Kwantum: "I'm sad that we are forced to do this, but with the changing landscape of college sports it seems unavoidable. I am a bit bothered that the marketing I have seen this far minimizes the font for McKale Center relative to Alkeme Arena, but we will all still just call it McKale."
– Wild West: "Great extra source of revenue! Everyone will still call it McKale."
– Tom: "Not too happy, but this is the way of the world. It was inevitable."
– Tom Henry: "They can sell the naming rights all they want. It will always be McKale Center and Lute Olson Court. The rest is window dressing. And honestly I’ve never heard of Alkeme Insurance and I’m not interested in learning more about them."
– Doc Ash: "Have no issues with it, glad they are donating. Don’t like the ALKEME across the baseline though — that should stay ARIZONA. Would be better branding on the floor similar to Banner logo or the Big XII logo. Shoot, I’d even be fine if you replaced the ugly green cactus with it."
– Whatever: "State of the modern landscape. Departments need money and this is an easy way. Sucks, but necessary. Pulled it off in a way where every normal person will just call it 'McKale' still."
– Donnie Archuleta: "I'm good with the whole deal. Alums aligning with the alma mater. They get their name visible on the baselines. That will build name recognition for Alkeme. And (Arizona) gets that cheddar, baby! Win, win, win."
– Jenna Talls: "This is the way life is now. It was gonna be somebody’s name on there, might as well be them."
– Brett Huston: "I think if you don’t like it, then donate more money to the athletic program so they don’t have to find other means of revenue. Or better yet, just find 92,000 people who want to donate $20 a year for the next 15 years."
– Kevin Lundeberg: "Overall fine with it, but having ALKEME on the baselines really ruined what was the best court design in college basketball. Would love if they could move that sponsor name to a different spot."
UA fans cheer during College Gameday at McKale Center, Feb. 14, 2026.
– Marcelo Martinez: "I think they should take out the McKale name and up the price. Either way, it’s long overdue."
– Theodore Moreno: "It was inevitable. At least McKale Center was kept. Unlike Arizona Stadium. Pissed me off."
– Etienne Rhyming: "I have no issue with it. It generates money — and these programs need money. Hoping this revenue will delay additional season ticket hikes!"
– Little Old Man: "I’m not going to call it anything but McKale so if they can make a buck for putting a name on the court so what."
– Shawn Jackson: "Will still call it McKale."
