International Olympic Committee news

For more than a century, the Olympic Winter Games have helped winter sport develop and deliver lasting benefits for their host regions. Climate change is now reshaping sport as we know it, requiring the Games to evolve responsibly.

Milano Cortina 2026 reflects this evolution through a more flexible, regionally distributed model that maximises existing venues, reduces environmental impact and strengthens community resilience. Innovation in snow-making technologies, clean energy and low-carbon mobility is helping ensure safe, fair and reliable competition while supporting host regions in adapting to a changing climate.

As the first Olympic Winter Games shaped from start to finish by the Olympic Agenda reforms, Milano Cortina 2026 has adapted to Northern Italy’s specific context – its infrastructure, winter sports heritage and community priorities.

Here’s what you need to know about the Milano Cortina 2026 sustainability, impact and legacy.

Sustainability

Games designed around existing, world-class venues

• 85 per cent of competition venues are existing, one of the highest reuse rates in Olympic Winter Games history.
• Iconic venues include Bormio’s Stelvio slope (Alpine skiing), Val di Fiemme (cross-country skiing and ski jumping), Anterselva (biathlon) and Cortina d’Ampezzo (Alpine skiing, curling and sliding sports), host of the 1956 Olympic Winter Games.

Olympic Villages adapted to local needs

• In Milan’s Porta Romana, a low-carbon Olympic Village is planned to become student and affordable housing after the Games.
• In Cortina, a temporary village built from recyclable units will be repurposed after the Games.
• In Bormio, Livigno, Anterselva and Predazzo, athletes will stay in existing hotels and facilities, limiting new construction and supporting local businesses.

 

Clean energy and low-carbon transport

• Renewable electricity will power most competition venues.
• Temporary generators, only to be used as a back-up, will be limited and run on HVO biofuel; almost all snowcats will also use HVO.
• A low-carbon transport plan targets 20 per cent fewer cars compared to Torino 2006, prioritising trains and shuttles.

Olympic symbols showcasing sustainability

• The Olympic torch is powered by Bio-LPG from renewable sources.
• The medals are produced using recycled metal, cast with renewable energy.
• Podiums will be adaptable and reused after the Games through community sport initiatives.
   

Responsible snowmaking

• Snowmaking is kept at the minimum needed to ensure safe competition.
• Automated, high-efficiency systems and GPS monitoring reduce unnecessary production, cutting electricity use by around 30 per cent.
• Only water, air and energy are used, with no chemical additives, and most of the energy comes from renewable sources.
   

Circular economy, water and biodiversity

• The aim is to recycle 70 per cent of urban waste, recover food leftovers across venues, and reuse around 24,000 items from Paris 2024.
• Strategic Environmental Assessments are being applied across multiple regions to protect fragile ecosystems.
• Biodiversity protection measures such as noise and light reduction are applied in sensitive natural areas, and restoration measures are planned after the Games.
   

Impact and legacy

Milano Cortina 2026 is inspiring active lifestyles and strengthening community resilience by accelerating long-term socio-economic development across urban and mountain regions.

Movement and well-being for all

• For the first time, sport has been referenced in the Italian Constitution, which should result in increased investment at both regional and national levels, following the establishment of a Sports Ministry.
• More than 330 legacy projects are already underway across Italy.
• GEN26, the Games’ flagship education and engagement programme, has involved more than 1.5 million students nationwide in Olympic and Paralympic-themed activities that promote inclusion, teamwork and healthy lifestyles.
• Walking the Games has seen 11,000 students walk more than 1.3 million kilometres, with 75 per cent reporting increased activity.
• The Go for 30 campaign promotes 30 minutes of daily activity for over 430,000 employees nationwide.
• Italia dei Giochi is bringing community sports events to five million participants across the country.
• The Cultural Olympiad has already engaged more than one million people through sport, art and culture.
   

Strengthening regional development and community resilience

• The Games align with long-term regional strategies on smart energy, sustainable mobility and urban regeneration.
• In Milan, the Porta Romana Olympic Village and Santagiulia Arena are anchoring new, inclusive urban districts, while public transport accessibility is being improved in both Milan and Verona.
• In mountain regions, upgrades to the electricity distribution systems favouring the use of renewable energy are strengthening local energy resilience.
• Modernisation of the Livigno Health Centre, the Codivilla Hospital in Cortina and the San Martino Hospital in Belluno is aimed at ensuring high-level medical services for the broader Upper Valtellina region.
• Existing venues across mountain regions are being upgraded for energy efficiency and waste reduction, ensuring long-term use beyond 2026.

Supporting local athletes, enterprise and skills

• New measures now support Olympic and Paralympic athletes in combining elite sport with university studies, including EUR 1,000-per-month maternity leave support for up to 10 months, CONI scholarships for athlete mothers, and protection to maintain rankings during maternity leave.
• Through programmes such as “Impact 2026”, organisers are engaging local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and social enterprises, and are strengthening local skills – helping create jobs and embedding much needed expertise in the host regions.
• More than 400 companies have taken part in training sessions, networking events and calls for tender.
• Around 650 young people will gain hands-on experience through Olympic Broadcasting Services training programmes.
   

100 Years of Winter Olympic Games

As we look back at the Olympic Winter Games editions, we can trace the story of how the Olympic Games have changed the world of winter sport and created transformative legacies for their host communities.

Learn more

Cascale recently joined a new educational workshop series led by Educators for Socially-Responsible Apparel Practices (ESRAP), creating a direct connection between industry tools and the next generation of fashion and sustainability professionals.

Facilitated by Andrea Kennedy, fashion department lead at Berkeley College, a Cascale member, the session marked an early installment of ESRAP Educates, a speaker-panel series designed to equip fashion faculty with practical insights and resources they can bring back to their classrooms. More than 45 students and educators participated, representing programs in sustainable fashion, apparel, and footwear.

Speakers from Cascale and Worldly explained how the two organizations work together to support credible sustainability education and real-world application. Cascale’s communications director Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff shared an overview of Cascale’s mission as a global nonprofit alliance and steward of the Higg Index, which is exclusively available on Worldly. Then, Charlie Gustafson, product marketing manager at Worldly, shared the organization’s role as the comprehensive data and analytics platform that helps scale the Higg Index tools.

Together, the directors illustrated how industry-aligned standards, trusted data, and scalable platforms work in tandem to turn sustainability goals into measurable action. The discussion focused on how educators and students can use these tools to develop practical, career-ready skills aligned with current industry expectations.

The workshop also explored opportunities for students and academic institutions to engage with Cascale and Worldly, including access to resources, learning pathways, and membership benefits that support teaching, research, and workforce development.

By participating in ESRAP Educates, Cascale continues to expand its engagement with the academic community, supporting educators as they prepare students to navigate sustainability challenges with clarity, consistency, and credible data.

The Pioneering Spirit Across Henkel

At Henkel North America, our pioneers drive meaningful change. They go above and beyond to support their communities, inspire their colleagues, and pave the way for future generations—making a positive difference both within Henkel and in the communities where they live and work.

Together, these pioneers have made a tangible difference by leading the creation and growth of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) within Henkel, fostering inclusion, and creating spaces where employees feel supported and empowered. Beyond Henkel, they’ve championed initiatives that benefit people and our planet—from volunteering and mentoring to organizing events that bring communities together for a greater cause.

Through their collective actions, they are shaping a purposeful future for the next generations, inspiring others to get involved, and reinforcing Henkel’s commitment to be a force for good in the world.

Being a Pioneer for Good

We’re proud to celebrate the efforts and impact of our pioneers for good and share their voices in this video montage. Stay tuned as we continue to highlight the heart and impact of Henkel employees each month.

 

Originally published on CVS Health Company News

BATON ROUGE, LA, February 18, 2026 /3BL/ — CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) today announced the launch of a new $5 million scholarship program designed to support aspiring pharmacists in the state of Louisiana. The initiative will provide financial assistance to students pursuing their Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree at either Xavier University of Louisiana or the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

This initiative is part of CVS Health’s broader commitment to advancing health equity, expanding access to care, and investing in the next generation of health care professionals. The program will help reduce financial barriers for students from diverse backgrounds and communities, particularly those with a desire to serve in areas with critical health care needs.

“Pharmacists play a vital role in improving health outcomes and delivering care in the communities we serve,” said Lucille Accetta, RPh, Senior Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer. “This investment reflects our deep commitment to Louisiana and our belief in the power of education to transform lives and strengthen the healthcare workforce. By investing in future pharmacists in Louisiana, we are not only supporting individual students—we are investing in the health and resilience of entire communities. We’re proud to partner with these institutions to help shape the future of pharmacy and ensure care is accessible where it’s needed most.”

Louisiana’s long-term success depends on investing where it matters most — right here in the Bayou and in the next generation of leaders who will shape the state’s future. From strengthening the workforce to expanding access to care, ensuring young Louisianans have the opportunity to learn, train, and build their careers at home is a top priority for state leadership. Strategic investments in education and workforce development are critical to keeping Louisiana competitive and positioning the state as a destination for talent, innovation, and opportunity.

This announcement from CVS Health reinforces that commitment and aligns with Louisiana’s broader efforts to grow a strong, homegrown healthcare workforce. By supporting students pursuing careers in pharmacy, this initiative helps create clear pathways for Louisiana’s best and brightest to stay, serve, and succeed in their communities. Public-private partnerships like this one are essential to ensuring that Louisiana continues to produce skilled professionals who will call the state home for generations to come.

“Louisiana’s future depends on the young people we invest in today,” said Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry. “When we create opportunities for our students to learn, train, and build their careers right here at home, we’re strengthening our workforce and our communities at the same time. I’m excited to work with CVS Health on this initiative and grateful for their commitment to helping Louisiana’s next generation succeed and choose to build their future in our great state.”

Xavier University of Louisiana, a historically Black university with a strong legacy of producing healthcare leaders, and the University of Louisiana at Monroe, a key contributor to the state’s pharmacy workforce, were selected for their shared commitment to academic excellence and community impact in the state of Louisiana.

This new scholarship program builds on CVS Health’s existing educational support initiatives, including the CVS Health/AACP Community Pharmacy Scholarship, which awards $20,000 to 21 student pharmacists nationwide, and the company’s Enterprise Tuition Assistance and PharmD Tuition Assistance programs for CVS Health colleagues.

This CVS Health pharmacy scholarship will be available starting the 2026-27 academic year. More information will be available through the financial aid offices at Xavier University and the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

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About CVS Health

CVS Health is a leading health solutions company building a world of health around every consumer, wherever they are. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had approximately 9,000 retail pharmacy locations, more than 1,000 walk-in and primary care medical clinics and a leading pharmacy benefits manager with approximately 87 million plan members. The Company also serves an estimated more than 37 million people through traditional, voluntary and consumer-directed health insurance products and related services, including highly rated Medicare Advantage offerings and a leading standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The Company’s integrated model uses personalized, technology driven services to connect people to simply better health, increasing access to quality care, delivering better outcomes, and lowering overall costs.

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

Alex was diagnosed with a rare rhabdoid tumor on his left kidney, a condition that only affects about 25 people per year globally. With a survival rate of 10-15%, Alex underwent surgery to remove the tumor and began chemotherapy. After two years of treatment at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, he was able to celebrate the completion of his care journey by ringing the bell.

“Being at the Aflac Cancer Center was very comforting … They all are just so supportive and helpful and, honestly, I don’t know how any family could do it without the support that they provide there,” said Alex’s dad, James Schoomaker. Watch Alex’ story above to learn more about his journey.

Alex and the Schoomaker family represent the “why” in Aflac’s long-standing commitment to children with cancer and blood disorders like sickle cell disease. Since 1995, Aflac agents, employees and The Aflac Foundation, Inc. have given more than $195 million to The Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center. Every donation to the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorder Center helps fund lifesaving research that is shared with hospitals across the U.S. to give children, like Alex, a chance at life.

Learn more by visiting AflacChildhoodCancer.org.

Aflac WWHQ |1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999

Z2600100 
EXP 2/27

CINCINNATI, February 18, 2026 — Fifth Third (Nasdaq: FITB) has been recognized among the World’s Most Admired  Companies™ by Fortune Magazine for the third consecutive year.  

“It is an honor to once again be named to the Fortune list of Most Admired Companies,” said Tim Spence,  chairman, CEO, and president of Fifth Third. “This recognition affirms our strategy of driving sustainable  results for shareholders, investing in the communities we serve and creating an environment where our  employees can succeed.” 

The magazine’s annual ranking of corporate reputation spotlights the best-regarded companies across  more than 50 industries domestically and globally. 

From a list of the 1,500 largest U.S. and global companies by revenue, the rankings are based upon a  poll of more than 3,700 executives, directors and analysts administered by global management consulting  firm Korn Ferry. Poll respondents rate companies in their own industries based upon nine criteria of  corporate performance and reputation such as long-term investment value, quality of management,  innovativeness, and ability to attract and retain talent. 

Fifth Third is consistently recognized as a leader among banks. In 2025, Fifth Third was named “U.S.  Best Super-Regional Bank” by Euromoney and recognized among “America’s Most Innovative  Companies” by Fortune. Fifth Third was also included on the following lists: Forbes “Best Employers for  New Grads,” The Digital Banker and Global Private Banker “Best Private Bank for High Net Worth  Clients,” and Global Finance “Best Treasury and Cash Management Bank,” to just name a few.  

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About Fifth Third 

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping  individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives.  Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based  banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With  a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not  only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust. 

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect  parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market  under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit  and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

From Fortune, ©2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license. Fortune is a  registered trademark and Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies™ is a trademark of Fortune Media IP  Limited and are used under license. Fortune and Fortune Media IP Limited are not affiliated with, and do  not endorse the products or services of Fifth Third Bank.

 

CONTACT

Jordan DuShane (Media Relations) 
Jordan.dushane@53.com 

Matt Curoe (Investor Relations) 
matt.curoe@53.com | 513-534-2345 

ZURICH, February 17, 2026 /3BL/ – Climeworks, a global leader in carbon removal solutions, and Tapestry, Inc. (NYSE: TPR), the parent company of Coach and kate spade new york, today announced a new partnership focused on scaling high-quality carbon removal as part of their broader approach to decarbonization.

Through this 10-year agreement, Tapestry has made its first purchase of carbon removals, accessing Climeworks’ most diversified carbon removal portfolio to date. The portfolio combines five high-quality carbon removal pathways, both engineered and nature-based, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation, risk diversification and long-term climate impact.

Sourced by Climeworks’ scientific team, the portfolio includes projects that represent cutting‑edge developments in carbon removal, from accelerating natural mineral processes to generating renewable energy with permanent CO₂ storage and removing CO₂ directly from the air. These approaches are some of the most innovative and scientifically robust carbon removal solutions available today, while delivering strong co-benefits on land and communities. The partnership reflects Tapestry’s ambition to integrate climate‑responsible practices into our business and Climeworks’ leadership in scaling trusted, science-based carbon removal solutions globally.

Tapestry is Climeworks’ first North American customer in the fashion, retail and larger consumer goods industry, underscoring the sector’s increasing interest in carbon removal and more broadly, decarbonization. The company will be using Climeworks’ carbon removal solutions to address its Scope 1 emissions and advance its long-term climate goals.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Tapestry, which is leading the way in fashion,” said Adrian Siegrist, Chief Commercial Officer of Climeworks. “This collaboration not only underscores the retail sector’s growing commitment to climate action, but also shows Climeworks’ leadership in carbon removal portfolio services. Customers are increasingly seeking diversified portfolios of high-quality carbon removal solutions to manage risk and secure timely delivery today, and Climeworks is uniquely positioned to answer that need”.

“At Tapestry, we are focused on reducing emissions across our value chain while investing in solutions that help build a resilient, low-carbon future,” said Logan Duran, Global Head of ESG & Sustainability. “Working with Climeworks allows us to address our Scope 1 emissions through high-quality carbon removal, while supporting innovation and market development in this emerging climate solution space.”

About Tapestry, Inc.

Our global house of iconic accessories and lifestyle brands unites the magic of Coach and kate spade new york. Together, we stretch what’s possible – advancing brands further than they could go alone, expanding their reach to new geographies and generations. Inspired by our consumers, we create experiences and products that build lasting brand love and elevate everyday life. To learn more about Tapestry, please visit tapestry.com.

About Climeworks

Climeworks is a leading high-quality carbon removal provider, combining decades of expertise in Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology with holistic carbon removal solutions.

Climeworks offers an end-to-end enterprise service for premium carbon removal. Its tailored portfolios of nature-based and engineered solutions are designed to maximize business value and minimize risks. The company runs the world’s first two DAC plants in Iceland, demonstrating its core commitment to high-quality carbon removal that is backed by over 15 years of pioneering research, development, and deployment.

By advancing the most reliable solutions in the market, Climeworks accelerates the global transition to net zero, unlocking economic value for businesses, governments, and society.

Contact: Tristan Lebleu, External Relations Lead, Climeworks
tristan.lebleu@climeworks.com | +41 78 248 91 34

Picture and logos: Climeworks Brand Assets

ZURICH, February 17, 2026 /3BL/ – Climeworks, a global leader in carbon removal solutions, and Tapestry, Inc. (NYSE: TPR), the parent company of Coach and kate spade new york, today announced a new partnership focused on scaling high-quality carbon removal as part of their broader approach to decarbonization.

Through this 10-year agreement, Tapestry has made its first purchase of carbon removals, accessing Climeworks’ most diversified carbon removal portfolio to date. The portfolio combines five high-quality carbon removal pathways, both engineered and nature-based, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation, risk diversification and long-term climate impact.

Sourced by Climeworks’ scientific team, the portfolio includes projects that represent cutting‑edge developments in carbon removal, from accelerating natural mineral processes to generating renewable energy with permanent CO₂ storage and removing CO₂ directly from the air. These approaches are some of the most innovative and scientifically robust carbon removal solutions available today, while delivering strong co-benefits on land and communities. The partnership reflects Tapestry’s ambition to integrate climate‑responsible practices into our business and Climeworks’ leadership in scaling trusted, science-based carbon removal solutions globally.

Tapestry is Climeworks’ first North American customer in the fashion, retail and larger consumer goods industry, underscoring the sector’s increasing interest in carbon removal and more broadly, decarbonization. The company will be using Climeworks’ carbon removal solutions to address its Scope 1 emissions and advance its long-term climate goals.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Tapestry, which is leading the way in fashion,” said Adrian Siegrist, Chief Commercial Officer of Climeworks. “This collaboration not only underscores the retail sector’s growing commitment to climate action, but also shows Climeworks’ leadership in carbon removal portfolio services. Customers are increasingly seeking diversified portfolios of high-quality carbon removal solutions to manage risk and secure timely delivery today, and Climeworks is uniquely positioned to answer that need”.

“At Tapestry, we are focused on reducing emissions across our value chain while investing in solutions that help build a resilient, low-carbon future,” said Logan Duran, Global Head of ESG & Sustainability. “Working with Climeworks allows us to address our Scope 1 emissions through high-quality carbon removal, while supporting innovation and market development in this emerging climate solution space.”

About Tapestry, Inc.

Our global house of iconic accessories and lifestyle brands unites the magic of Coach and kate spade new york. Together, we stretch what’s possible – advancing brands further than they could go alone, expanding their reach to new geographies and generations. Inspired by our consumers, we create experiences and products that build lasting brand love and elevate everyday life. To learn more about Tapestry, please visit tapestry.com.

About Climeworks

Climeworks is a leading high-quality carbon removal provider, combining decades of expertise in Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology with holistic carbon removal solutions.

Climeworks offers an end-to-end enterprise service for premium carbon removal. Its tailored portfolios of nature-based and engineered solutions are designed to maximize business value and minimize risks. The company runs the world’s first two DAC plants in Iceland, demonstrating its core commitment to high-quality carbon removal that is backed by over 15 years of pioneering research, development, and deployment.

By advancing the most reliable solutions in the market, Climeworks accelerates the global transition to net zero, unlocking economic value for businesses, governments, and society.

Contact: Tristan Lebleu, External Relations Lead, Climeworks
tristan.lebleu@climeworks.com | +41 78 248 91 34

Picture and logos: Climeworks Brand Assets

ZURICH, February 17, 2026 /3BL/ – Climeworks, a global leader in carbon removal solutions, and Tapestry, Inc. (NYSE: TPR), the parent company of Coach and kate spade new york, today announced a new partnership focused on scaling high-quality carbon removal as part of their broader approach to decarbonization.

Through this 10-year agreement, Tapestry has made its first purchase of carbon removals, accessing Climeworks’ most diversified carbon removal portfolio to date. The portfolio combines five high-quality carbon removal pathways, both engineered and nature-based, reflecting a shared commitment to innovation, risk diversification and long-term climate impact.

Sourced by Climeworks’ scientific team, the portfolio includes projects that represent cutting‑edge developments in carbon removal, from accelerating natural mineral processes to generating renewable energy with permanent CO₂ storage and removing CO₂ directly from the air. These approaches are some of the most innovative and scientifically robust carbon removal solutions available today, while delivering strong co-benefits on land and communities. The partnership reflects Tapestry’s ambition to integrate climate‑responsible practices into our business and Climeworks’ leadership in scaling trusted, science-based carbon removal solutions globally.

Tapestry is Climeworks’ first North American customer in the fashion, retail and larger consumer goods industry, underscoring the sector’s increasing interest in carbon removal and more broadly, decarbonization. The company will be using Climeworks’ carbon removal solutions to address its Scope 1 emissions and advance its long-term climate goals.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Tapestry, which is leading the way in fashion,” said Adrian Siegrist, Chief Commercial Officer of Climeworks. “This collaboration not only underscores the retail sector’s growing commitment to climate action, but also shows Climeworks’ leadership in carbon removal portfolio services. Customers are increasingly seeking diversified portfolios of high-quality carbon removal solutions to manage risk and secure timely delivery today, and Climeworks is uniquely positioned to answer that need”.

“At Tapestry, we are focused on reducing emissions across our value chain while investing in solutions that help build a resilient, low-carbon future,” said Logan Duran, Global Head of ESG & Sustainability. “Working with Climeworks allows us to address our Scope 1 emissions through high-quality carbon removal, while supporting innovation and market development in this emerging climate solution space.”

About Tapestry, Inc.

Our global house of iconic accessories and lifestyle brands unites the magic of Coach and kate spade new york. Together, we stretch what’s possible – advancing brands further than they could go alone, expanding their reach to new geographies and generations. Inspired by our consumers, we create experiences and products that build lasting brand love and elevate everyday life. To learn more about Tapestry, please visit tapestry.com.

About Climeworks

Climeworks is a leading high-quality carbon removal provider, combining decades of expertise in Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology with holistic carbon removal solutions.

Climeworks offers an end-to-end enterprise service for premium carbon removal. Its tailored portfolios of nature-based and engineered solutions are designed to maximize business value and minimize risks. The company runs the world’s first two DAC plants in Iceland, demonstrating its core commitment to high-quality carbon removal that is backed by over 15 years of pioneering research, development, and deployment.

By advancing the most reliable solutions in the market, Climeworks accelerates the global transition to net zero, unlocking economic value for businesses, governments, and society.

Contact: Tristan Lebleu, External Relations Lead, Climeworks
tristan.lebleu@climeworks.com | +41 78 248 91 34

Picture and logos: Climeworks Brand Assets

CINCINNATI, February 17, 2026 — Fifth Third (Nasdaq: FITB) has announced the continuation and expansion of its Name,  Image and Likeness (NIL) program, ‘Team Fifth Third,’ welcoming a roster of 30 student-athletes and  partnerships across nine universities including Auburn University, Butler University, Florida Atlantic  University, Michigan State University, the University of Cincinnati, the University of Dayton, the University  of Louisville, the University of Michigan and Xavier University.  

As one of the financial industry’s first NIL initiatives of its kind, the program centers on a simple belief: the  stories driving student-athletes matter. Team Fifth Third athletes collaborate with the Bank on a social  media series, which spotlights the small yet powerful steps they take on and off the court to compete at  the Division I level. Their experiences are brought to life across the athletes’ TikTok and Instagram  channels, as well as Fifth Third’s own platforms.  

“Student‑athletes work incredibly hard while competing at an elite level,” said Carolyn David, head of  marketing at Fifth Third. “Their stories reflect dedication and resilience, and they deserve to be told. Team  Fifth Third lets us spotlight their hard work, both on and off the court.” 

Returning Team Fifth Third captain Ryan Conwell, University of Louisville guard, embodies the grit and  determination of Team Fifth Third athletes. 

“I try not to take any moment for granted. Every step has taken sacrifice, hard work and a commitment to  getting better; my family has been my greatest support system throughout it all,” Conwell said. “I’m  grateful to be back with Team Fifth Third this year.” 

His experience reflects what Team Fifth Third strives to celebrate and support: the real stories behind  student‑athletes’ journeys — what drives them, and the habits that fuel their success. 

For Macy Brown, University of Michigan guard getting a Fifth Third Better is about going the extra mile.  

“Playing basketball has ingrained discipline, whether in the classroom or the gym. We came here to play  sports, but we also came for the degree and the relationships. That mindset pushes us to grow every  day,” Brown said. “That means showing up every day with the same excellence you would in the  classroom, the gym, in your relationships with your friends, and just being willing to go the extra step.” 

Team Fifth Third goes beyond sponsorship by connecting passion to purpose, strengthening community  ties and equipping student‑athletes with financial knowledge to succeed beyond the game. Through the  program, athletes have the opportunity to receive personalized financial education, including one‑on‑one  coaching from Fifth Third bankers on budgeting, saving and investing.

This program is a continuation of Fifth Third’s long-standing relationship with college athletics, with  naming rights for Fifth Third Arena at the University of Cincinnati and Fifth Third Stadium at Kennesaw  State University. Fifth Third also is the Official Bank of University of Dayton Athletics, with Fifth Third  proudly emblazoned on the Flyers’ basketball court, and the Official Partner of Xavier Athletics. 

To see the complete roster and learn more about Team Fifth Third visit www.53.com/TeamFifthThird. 

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About Fifth Third 

Fifth Third is a bank that’s as long on innovation as it is on history. Since 1858, we’ve been helping  individuals, families, businesses and communities grow through smart financial services that improve lives.  Our list of firsts is extensive, and it’s one that continues to expand as we explore the intersection of tech driven innovation, dedicated people and focused community impact. Fifth Third is one of the few U.S.-based  banks to have been named among Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies® for several years. With  a commitment to taking care of our customers, employees, communities and shareholders, our goal is not  only to be the nation’s highest performing regional bank, but to be the bank people most value and trust. 

Fifth Third Bank, National Association is a federally chartered institution. Fifth Third Bancorp is the indirect  parent company of Fifth Third Bank and its common stock is traded on the NASDAQ® Global Select Market  under the symbol “FITB.” Investor information and press releases can be viewed at www.53.com. Deposit  and credit products provided by Fifth Third Bank, National Association. Member FDIC.

CONTACT 

Jordan DuShane (Media Relations) February 10, 2026 
Jordan.dushane@53.com 

Matt Curoe (Investor Relations) 
matt.curoe@53.com | 513-534-2345