**DEAL: Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Clinic Sign a Handshake Contract of $567.5M, Agree to Historic 25-Year Partnership Extension Due to Shared Vision for Community and Innovation**
In a landmark agreement that underscores both civic pride and a shared commitment to community advancement, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Clinic have entered into a monumental 25-year partnership extension valued at $567.5 million. Announced this morning at a joint press conference held at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the deal marks one of the most significant long-term collaborations between a professional sports franchise and a healthcare institution in American sports history.
The agreement—referred to as a “handshake contract” by both parties—symbolizes more than just dollars and branding. It’s a reflection of a deep-rooted partnership built on mutual trust, community focus, and a forward-thinking approach to sports medicine and public health. While formal paperwork will follow, both organizations emphasized that the deal was solidified through months of collaborative planning and a shared vision for the next quarter-century.
The $567.5 million deal includes a broad scope of initiatives: naming rights renewal for Cleveland Clinic Courts, continued exclusive healthcare services for the Cavaliers’ players and staff, expanded research in sports science and injury prevention, and a sweeping new community health program aimed at underserved neighborhoods across Northeast Ohio.
Team owner Dan Gilbert praised the extension, stating,
*”The Cleveland Clinic has been more than a partner to us—they’ve been family. This isn’t just a business deal. It’s about investing in the well-being of our players, our fans, and our community. We’re building something that will stand the test of time.”*
Cleveland Clinic CEO Dr. Tom Mihaljevic echoed the sentiment:
*”Our alliance with the Cavaliers goes beyond courtside treatment. It’s about innovation in sports medicine, education, and lifting up the city we both call home. This partnership extension gives us the long-term runway to make a generational impact.”*
As part of the deal, the two institutions will also co-develop a new state-of-the-art sports performance and wellness center, open to both professional athletes and the public. Construction on the facility is expected to begin in early 2026 and will feature cutting-edge rehabilitation technology, training spaces, and public health resources. In addition, the Cavaliers Foundation and Cleveland Clinic Foundation will launch a $50 million joint initiative focused on youth mental health services and equitable access to care.
Fans can also expect a more visible presence of the Clinic on game days and throughout the Cavaliers’ digital and social platforms, reinforcing the long-standing “powered by Cleveland Clinic” branding the franchise proudly carries.
The handshake nature of the contract—rare in modern sports business—speaks volumes about the legacy of trust between these two powerhouses. It’s a bold, confident bet on Cleveland’s future, rooted in a belief that sports, health, and community go hand in hand.
