SACRAMENTO, Calif – Today, Sacramento State, Wilton Rancheria, and Sky River Casino announced a historic, five-year, $7.5 million partnership that represents the largest Tribal partnership in Sacramento State's history. The multi-year partnership aims to advance student-athlete development, enhance fan engagement, and expand educational opportunities for Native and Indigenous students at the Wileety Native American College at Sacramento State.
A marquee of the partnership is the introduction of custom, tribal-inspired uniforms for the Sacramento State football, men's basketball, and women's basketball teams. Developed through close collaboration, the designs incorporate cultural elements and patterns that reflect the region's First People and will be worn during select home and away games each season.
"This represents more than a sponsorship — it is a powerful alliance rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to uplifting both our students and the Native community," said Sacramento State President Luke Wood. "We are honored to partner with Wilton Rancheria and Sky River Casino in a way that benefits education, culture, and athletics."
Under the terms of the agreement, Sky River Casino and Wilton Rancheria will serve as premier sponsors of Sacramento State football, as well as the men's and women's basketball programs, providing enhanced resources for student-athletes, facilities, and program development.
"Our multi-year partnership with Sacramento State Athletics strengthens local sports culture while creating meaningful opportunities beyond the field," said Michael Facenda, President and General Manager of Sky River Casino. "Supporting Hornet athletes, investing in Native education, and elevating the fan experience are all ways Sky River gives back to the region we call home."
Sky River Casino will also serve as the naming partner of the Sky River Casino End Zone at Hornet Stadium and as a presenting sponsor of marquee events. The partnership also includes annual community and engagement events hosted at Sky River Casino, creating opportunities for fans, alumni, and supporters to connect with Sacramento State coaches, student-athletes, and programs beyond game day.
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"We are thrilled to continue our relationship with Sky River Casino and Wilton Rancheria," said Sacramento State Director of Athletics
Mark Orr. "The partnership will directly benefit our student-athletes and coaches and allow us to remain competitive while honoring the Tribe's deep roots in our region."
Beyond athletics, a significant portion of the partnership reflects Wilton Rancheria's long-standing commitment to education and Native student success through a philanthropic investment in Sacramento State's Wileety Native American College, the first Native American college housed on a California State University campus.
"This reflects how Wilton Rancheria approaches long-term investment, by supporting people, opportunity, and community," said Jesus Tarango, Chairman of Wilton Rancheria. "From student-athletes competing at the highest level to Native students pursuing higher education and leadership pathways, this collaboration is about creating access, honoring culture, and building outcomes that will last well beyond the term of this agreement."
The partnership includes support for Native student programming and the establishment of a dedicated scholarship for students enrolled in the Wileety Native American College, to expand access to higher education and strengthen pathways for Native students pursuing degrees across the University.
Students in the program minor in Native American Studies with an emphasis on Tribal leadership, participate in cohort-based learning when possible, and prepare for careers that support Tribal governments, Native communities, and the broader region.
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Sky River Casino was built by Wilton Rancheria in partnership with Boyd Gaming Corporation, which is managing the property for the Tribe. The casino opened in August 2022 and includes 100,000 sq ft of gaming, 2,190 slot machines, 81 table games, and 18 elevated restaurants, bars, and lounge destinations. Official expansion plans for Sky River Casino include a multi-story parking structure with 1,600 parking spaces, an expanded gaming floor, a 300-room state-of-the-art hotel, day spa and salon, outdoor pool, and a multi-use event and entertainment space. To learn more about the casino and/or future expansion plans currently underway, please visit www.SkyRiver.com.
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Wilton Rancheria is Sacramento County's only federally recognized Tribe, with more than 1000 citizens, primarily of Miwok and Nisenan descent. Known as California's Capital Tribe, Wilton Rancheria has established itself as a leader in sustainable development, cultural preservation, and community partnership. The Tribe operates Sky River Casino, holds majority ownership of Sacramento Republic FC, and continues expanding its influence in regional economic development.
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