Indiana University Athletics
Merchants Bank and IU Athletics Announce Summer Signing Series Featuring Student-Athletes
6/2/2026 10:00:00 AM | General, Name, Image & Likeness
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Merchants Bank and Indiana University Athletics today announced its Summer Signing Series, giving fans the opportunity to meet select Hoosier student-athletes, including key members from IU football.
The series will take place on four selected days in June from 1-2 p.m., with two to four student-athletes scheduled to appear each week for autographs and fan interactions. Dates include Friday, June 5; Friday, June 12; Thursday, June 18; and Friday, June 26. All appearances will be held at the new Merchants Bank branch located at 101 W. Kirkwood Ave., Suite 030, in downtown Bloomington.
This Summer Signing Series further highlights the growing relationship between Merchants Bank and IU Athletics, which began with the announcement of a transformative $50 million sponsorship last August. The new Bloomington branch, which opened in April, deepens the connection between the two organizations while strengthening engagement with student-athletes, local business owners, and the Bloomington community.
"The Summer Signing Series marks the first of many exciting activities we plan to launch in partnership with IU Athletics," said Michael Dunlap, president and CEO of Merchants Bank. "We are committed to delivering meaningful value to our community, and bringing fans together with their favorite student-athletes after a perfect season is an exciting way to kick things off. With a 20-year sponsorship, we believe the opportunities to grow together are endless."
Fans are encouraged to follow the official Merchants Bank and Indiana University Athletics social media channels for updates about the student-athletes participating each week, with names announced a few days prior to each appearance. In addition to autograph opportunities, attendees will also receive free T-shirts and other IU-branded giveaways.
"This series is a fantastic opportunity to engage directly with our loyal fans and build excitement as we prepare for fall athletics," said Luke Reiff, general manager of IU Sports Properties. "We are thankful for Merchants Bank's support of IU Athletics and for helping bring the Bloomington community together."
For the latest updates, follow Merchants Bank and Indiana Hoosiers on Instagram.
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ABOUT MERCHANTS BANK
Merchants Bank is a high-performing financial institution focused on delivering innovative banking and lending solutions across multiple segments, including retail and correspondent residential mortgage banking, multifamily financing, business and agricultural lending, mortgage warehouse financing, and traditional banking services. Headquartered in Indiana, Merchants Bank serves customers nationwide through its banking centers, regional production offices, and digital banking platform. Driven by a culture of execution, teamwork, and service, the company is committed to building long-term relationships and delivering meaningful value to the communities it serves. Additional information can be found at www.bankmerchants.com. Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender
About IU Athletics
Since its modest beginnings in 1887, Indiana University Athletics has evolved into one of the nation's most successful and forward-thinking departments. With 26 national team titles—including the 2025 CFP Football championship—and 191 Big Ten crowns, IU boasts a rich history of excellence. Beyond legendary coaches and Olympic-caliber athletes, the program prioritizes academic distinction and innovation. From breaking the Big Ten basketball color barrier to pioneering NIL leadership and the Student-Athlete Bill of Rights, IU Athletics remains a trailblazer, continuously setting the standard for success in modern intercollegiate athletics.
MEDIA CONTACT: Kathryn Babich, 630-605-0262, kbabich@dittoepr.com
The series will take place on four selected days in June from 1-2 p.m., with two to four student-athletes scheduled to appear each week for autographs and fan interactions. Dates include Friday, June 5; Friday, June 12; Thursday, June 18; and Friday, June 26. All appearances will be held at the new Merchants Bank branch located at 101 W. Kirkwood Ave., Suite 030, in downtown Bloomington.
This Summer Signing Series further highlights the growing relationship between Merchants Bank and IU Athletics, which began with the announcement of a transformative $50 million sponsorship last August. The new Bloomington branch, which opened in April, deepens the connection between the two organizations while strengthening engagement with student-athletes, local business owners, and the Bloomington community.
"The Summer Signing Series marks the first of many exciting activities we plan to launch in partnership with IU Athletics," said Michael Dunlap, president and CEO of Merchants Bank. "We are committed to delivering meaningful value to our community, and bringing fans together with their favorite student-athletes after a perfect season is an exciting way to kick things off. With a 20-year sponsorship, we believe the opportunities to grow together are endless."
Fans are encouraged to follow the official Merchants Bank and Indiana University Athletics social media channels for updates about the student-athletes participating each week, with names announced a few days prior to each appearance. In addition to autograph opportunities, attendees will also receive free T-shirts and other IU-branded giveaways.
"This series is a fantastic opportunity to engage directly with our loyal fans and build excitement as we prepare for fall athletics," said Luke Reiff, general manager of IU Sports Properties. "We are thankful for Merchants Bank's support of IU Athletics and for helping bring the Bloomington community together."
For the latest updates, follow Merchants Bank and Indiana Hoosiers on Instagram.
###
ABOUT MERCHANTS BANK
Merchants Bank is a high-performing financial institution focused on delivering innovative banking and lending solutions across multiple segments, including retail and correspondent residential mortgage banking, multifamily financing, business and agricultural lending, mortgage warehouse financing, and traditional banking services. Headquartered in Indiana, Merchants Bank serves customers nationwide through its banking centers, regional production offices, and digital banking platform. Driven by a culture of execution, teamwork, and service, the company is committed to building long-term relationships and delivering meaningful value to the communities it serves. Additional information can be found at www.bankmerchants.com. Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender
About IU Athletics
Since its modest beginnings in 1887, Indiana University Athletics has evolved into one of the nation's most successful and forward-thinking departments. With 26 national team titles—including the 2025 CFP Football championship—and 191 Big Ten crowns, IU boasts a rich history of excellence. Beyond legendary coaches and Olympic-caliber athletes, the program prioritizes academic distinction and innovation. From breaking the Big Ten basketball color barrier to pioneering NIL leadership and the Student-Athlete Bill of Rights, IU Athletics remains a trailblazer, continuously setting the standard for success in modern intercollegiate athletics.
MEDIA CONTACT: Kathryn Babich, 630-605-0262, kbabich@dittoepr.com
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