NMSU board approves naming rights deal for Pan American Center

New Mexico State University's Board of Regents voted Tuesday to approve a naming rights deal that could reshape the identity of the Pan American Center in Las Cruces, according to KVIA.

The agreement with White Sands Federal Credit Union is worth $13 million over 10 years, with payments structured as annual installments of $1.3 million, according to documents obtained by KVIA.

Once finalized, the arena will be called the White Sands Federal Credit Union Arena at the Pan American Center. The venue currently hosts NMSU basketball and volleyball games.

An NMSU spokesman declined to provide details, stating: "We are aware of reports regarding a potential naming rights agreement. While discussions continue, there are still details that need to be finalized, and we are unable to provide comment at this time," according to KVIA.

Phillip Fifield, CEO of White Sands Federal Credit Union, cautioned that the process remains incomplete. "This is a process and still has to go through contract review, legal, etc. before any signatures are done and then a formal announcement will be made. This could take a few months if all this goes well," Fifield said, according to KVIA.

The Pan American Center opened in November 1968. The naming agreement must clear legal review and contract procedures before it becomes official.