{"id":2269,"date":"2026-03-11T14:26:39","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T14:26:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/livelifehealthy.com\/?p=2269"},"modified":"2026-03-11T14:27:02","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T14:27:02","slug":"llh-healthcare-expands-partnership-with-american-conference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/livelifehealthy.com\/llh-healthcare-expands-partnership-with-american-conference\/","title":{"rendered":"LLH Healthcare Expands Partnership With American Conference for 2026 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

IRVING, Texas <\/strong>\u2014The American Conference and LLH Healthcare today announced their expanded partnership that will continue LLH\u2019s relationship with the conference through the 2026 American Men\u2019s and Women\u2019s Basketball Championships, March 10-15 at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama.

The expanded partnership builds on LLH Healthcare\u2019s role as title partner of the 2025 American Football Championship, and reflects the growing relationship between the two organizations across the American\u2019s championship platforms. As part of the 2026 American Men\u2019s and Women\u2019s Basketball Championships, the conference and LLH will spotlight a shared commitment to community impact by integrating support for Children\u2019s of Alabama (Children\u2019s). Children\u2019s is the only health system in Alabama dedicated solely to the care and treatment of children. It is a private, not-for-profit medical center that serves as the teaching hospital for the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) pediatric medicine, surgery, psychiatry, research and residency programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cService is a pillar of the American Conference, and we are proud to continue growing our partnership with LLH Healthcare in a way that creates meaningful impact beyond our basketball tournament,\u201d Commissioner Tim Pernetti said. \u201cThis relationship is special because of alignment. LLH Healthcare and the American are committed to using our championship week as a platform to serve others. The integration of Children\u2019s of Alabama throughout the tournament is a blueprint for an innovative relationship designed to serve others in the Birmingham community.\u201d

Throughout the week, the American and LLH will work together to support Children\u2019s through a series of coordinated activations tied to the championships. That effort began on Monday, March 9, with a hospital visit featuring student-athletes participating in the men\u2019s and women\u2019s basketball championships, along with conference and company representatives. The support will continue on Tuesday, March 10, at the tournament Tip-Off Dinner presented by LLH Healthcare, where a silent auction will help generate additional funds and awareness. The weeklong initiative will culminate on Saturday, March 14, with an on-court check presentation during the championships in recognition of a $10,000 donation and proceeds raised during tournament events.

\u201cWe\u2019re honored to partner with the American Conference and the Birmingham community to support the incredible work being done at Children\u2019s of Alabama,\u201d said Zach Rogers, CEO of LLH Healthcare. \u201cEvents like the American Conference Championships bring people together, and we\u2019re proud to use this moment to help make a difference for children and families who rely on this hospital every day.\u201d

The partnership was executed through American RISE Ventures, the conference\u2019s commercial business division launched in May 2025 to lead revenue generation, sponsorship strategy, media rights, brand partnerships, technology and emerging business opportunities. In its first 10 months, RISE has helped more than double the conference\u2019s revenue from the previous year, establishing strong momentum as the American continues to build a more modern and diversified commercial strategy. The continued expansion of the conference\u2019s relationship with LLH Healthcare across football and basketball is another example of the type of strategic partnership RISE was created to deliver.

\u201cThis partnership reflects the kind of work RISE was built to do,\u201d said Bryan Calka, chief commercial officer of American RISE Ventures. \u201cLLH has become a valued partner because this relationship goes beyond traditional visibility. It connects business goals, championship platforms and community impact in a way that benefits our member institutions, our student-athletes and the city hosting our tournament. Expanding this relationship while also incorporating meaningful support for Children\u2019s of Alabama makes this especially significant.\u201d

Children\u2019s will also be recognized throughout the championships through videoboard and ribbonboard features, an in-game donation prompt and the on-court presentation during championship week.

Partnership Highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n