CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers today announced a new multiyear partnership with Cisco, the worldwide leader in AI networking and cybersecurity, naming the company the team’s Official Enterprise Networking Partner. Through the agreement, Cisco’s networking and cybersecurity infrastructure will continue to power Rocket Arena, as well as the new Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center. Cisco will also support the team’s youth and education programming, with an emphasis on expanding access to STEM.
The partnership builds on a relationship between the Cavaliers and Cisco that spans more than 20 years, during which Cisco technology has powered the Cavaliers’ home, Rocket Arena, delivering a secure and reliable network infrastructure to connect both fans and venue staff. That footprint will now extend to the Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center, the team’s new practice facility on the Cuyahoga Riverfront which is set to open in February 2027. There, Cisco technology – including networking, wireless and security solutions – will create a flexible, AI-ready infrastructure to support the organization’s day-to-day operations.
“We are thrilled to deepen our long-standing partnership with the Cleveland Cavaliers, a relationship built on two decades of collaboration and innovation,” said Anne Ristau, Head of Global Sponsorships at Cisco. “Through our continued work together, we will continue to support the team’s pursuit of excellence and enhanced performance by powering both Rocket Arena and the Cleveland Clinic Peak Performance Center, while also creating opportunities to inspire and empower the next generation of innovators.”
As a cornerstone of the partnership, Cisco will serve as the presenting partner of Score with STEM, one of the Cavaliers’ signature community initiatives bringing science and basketball together to inspire the next generation of Northeast Ohio innovators. Developed with STEM Playbook, the annual event gives students high-energy, hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering and math. Since its creation in 2022, Score with STEM has welcomed more than 8,000 students and educators from across Northeast Ohio to Rocket Arena, where they explore exhibits led by regional STEM employers – an experience designed to connect classroom learning with real careers in the field. The 2027 Score with STEM event will take place at Rocket Arena on Saturday, March 20, ahead of the Cavaliers 7:30 p.m. matchup against the Chicago Bulls. All Score with STEM attendees will receive a complimentary ticket to the game. For more information about the 2027 event, visit www.rocketarena.com/group/detail/score-with-stem-day-presented-by-cisco/.
“Cisco shares our belief that every student deserves access to a quality education, the tools to succeed and an equitable learning environment,” said Pam Frasco, Cleveland Cavaliers, Senior Vice President of Social Impact and Executive Director of the Cavaliers Community Foundation. “This shared commitment has fueled 20 years of impact and new pathways into STEM careers for students across Northeast Ohio, and we look forward to building on it together.”
Cisco will also serve as presenting partner of the Cleveland Charge’s STEM Day game at Rocket Arena on Wednesday, March 3 at 11:00 a.m. More details about that theme game will be released as part of the Charge’s promotional schedule.