49ers and Sutter Health Launch Landmark Community Wellness Partnership

SANTA CLARA, CA – April 22, 2026 – The San Francisco 49ers and Sutter Health today announced a sweeping long-term partnership, positioning the not-for-profit healthcare system as the official healthcare partner of the iconic NFL franchise. The alliance moves beyond traditional stadium sponsorship to create a new model for community health, aiming to integrate preventive care and wellness resources directly into the lives of millions of fans and families across Northern California.

This collaboration pairs one of the region's most beloved sports teams with a leading health system in a shared mission: to make health support more visible, accessible, and proactive. The partnership will leverage the 49ers' extensive platform to roll out year-round programming, from mobile health screenings to the creation of new community fitness spaces.

“We are focused on meeting people where they are and making it easier to connect to care in ways that fit into their daily lives,” said Jennifer Bollinger, chief consumer and brand officer for Sutter Health. Brent Schoeb, chief operating officer at the San Francisco 49ers, echoed the sentiment, stating, “The well-being of the Faithful drives us to innovate in every way we can, and we look forward to working together to better support the health of our fans and communities across the region.”

A New Playbook for Public Health

The Sutter-49ers alliance reflects a growing national trend where healthcare providers partner with major sports franchises to promote community wellness. Similar partnerships exist across the country, such as UCLA Health's collaboration with the Los Angeles Chargers and Kaiser Permanente's deep ties with several California teams. These arrangements allow health systems to tap into the powerful brand loyalty and broad audience of professional sports to amplify public health messages.

However, this partnership is structured to go deeper than just brand visibility. By focusing on year-round, community-based initiatives, the organizations are aiming to address specific regional health needs. The strategy acknowledges that improving community health requires engaging people outside of traditional clinical settings—at the stadium, in their neighborhoods, and through their cultural passions.

“Improving health today requires us to think differently about how and where we engage,” said Warner Thomas, president and CEO of Sutter Health. “Sports bring people together in powerful ways... Together with the 49ers, we have an opportunity to extend that expertise beyond traditional care settings, connect with people earlier and make it easier to access the care they need.”

A Strategic Alliance with a Purpose

For both organizations, the partnership represents a strategic alignment of mission and market. For Sutter Health, a not-for-profit system that invested millions in community benefits in 2023, the collaboration is a significant expansion of its community health mandate. It allows the health system to fulfill its mission on a larger scale, using the 49ers' reach to promote services in key specialties like orthopedics, sports medicine, heart and vascular care, neurosciences, and cancer.

The 49ers, through their 49ers Foundation, have a long history of community engagement, having invested over $70 million in Bay Area youth. This partnership builds on that legacy, adding a robust, purpose-driven health component to their community outreach. It allows the franchise to leverage its brand for social good, deepening its connection with fans by demonstrating a tangible commitment to their well-being.

This purpose-driven model is becoming a new benchmark in the sports sponsorship industry. Rather than a simple financial transaction for naming rights, it creates a symbiotic relationship where both brands are elevated through a shared commitment to community impact. The return on investment is measured not only in brand exposure but also in tangible health outcomes for the region.

From the Gridiron to the Community

The partnership will roll out a series of concrete initiatives designed to have a direct impact. A key component is the creation of co-branded Community Fitness Zones, with a new location developed each year. These zones will provide dedicated spaces for physical activity and wellness programming, building on the 49ers' existing PREP programs that promote youth fitness.

To address disparities in healthcare access, a mobile activation unit will travel throughout Northern California, delivering health screenings, education, and care connections directly to local communities. This is particularly crucial for a region where rural and underserved populations face significant challenges, including higher rates of chronic disease and shortages of mental health providers. The partnership will also integrate with established 49ers platforms like Crucial Catch (cancer prevention), Women of the Niners (women's health), and Movember (men's health), targeting specific health needs identified in regional health assessments.

One of the most innovative elements is the “Screen for Screens” initiative. For every screen pass completed by the 49ers during the season, Sutter Health will provide no-cost health screenings to community organizations, directly linking on-field action to real-world health benefits.

A Healthier Game Day for the Faithful

Fans attending games at Levi’s® Stadium will see and feel the impact of the partnership immediately. The collaboration includes the branding of Sutter Health Plaza and Gate C, weaving the health message into the very fabric of the stadium.

Beyond branding, the fan experience will be enhanced with a focus on wellness. The partnership includes improved first aid stations and the addition of family-friendly amenities like dedicated nursing pods. A significant addition will be a new sensory room, designed to provide a quiet and supportive environment for fans and families who may feel overwhelmed by the stadium's sensory-rich atmosphere.

Furthermore, the partnership aims to celebrate caregivers. Pre-game, on-field moments at every home game will recognize Sutter physicians and highlight inspiring patient stories, reflecting the human impact of care across a range of medical specialties. The team's Wish Program will also be integrated, creating meaningful experiences for Sutter patients and their families, reinforcing the compassionate core of the alliance. These initiatives collectively aim to transform the game-day experience, making health and well-being an integral part of being a 49ers fan.