Carvana and Stanford Athletics Forge Multi-Year Partnership to Drive Cardinal Spirit, Innovation, and Community Engageme
the leading e-commerce platform for buying and selling used cars online, today announced a multi-year partnership with Stanford Athletics, the nation’s all-time leader in NCAA team championships. The collaboration establishes Carvana as the Official Auto Retailer of Stanford Athletics, uniting two organizations renowned for innovation, excellence, and a commitment to transforming experiences—on the road and on the field.
Through this partnership, they will bring its customer-first, technology-driven approach to the heart of Stanford’s vibrant athletic community, celebrating the university’s rich legacy of sportsmanship, academic rigor, and alumni engagement. The partnership aims to elevate the game-day atmosphere across Stanford’s venues while providing new opportunities for students, alumni, and fans to connect with in interactive, meaningful ways.
A Shared Commitment to Innovation and Excellence
“Carvana’s pioneering spirit and dedication to exceptional experiences make them an exciting partner for Stanford Athletics,” said John Donahoe, Stanford’s Jaquish & Kenninger Director of Athletics. “Together, we’ll build on Stanford’s strong athletic and academic legacy, enhancing traditions for students, athletes, alumni, and fans.”
The partnership reflects the shared values of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community. Stanford is known worldwide for its groundbreaking ideas, while Carvana has transformed car buying with its fully online, transparent, and tech-driven model.
Through this collaboration, both organizations aim to enrich game-day experiences and strengthen connections beyond the stadium—celebrating creativity, perseverance, and the spirit that unites their communities.
Bringing Cardinal Traditions to Life
Fans can expect to see the Carvana name and experience woven into the very fabric of Stanford Athletics. Whether it’s the excitement of basketball at Maples Pavilion or the electric energy at Stanford Stadium, Carvana’s presence will be felt across iconic campus venues through new and reimagined fan experiences.
The 6th Man Driven by Carvana
Carvana will become the new presenting sponsor of Stanford Basketball’s student sections, known for their passion and energy during home games. Under the banner of “The 6th Man Driven by Carvana,” the student section will receive a refreshed look and feel, complete with co-branded giveaways, enhanced in-arena signage, and an upgraded student lounge experience—the Carvana Club.
The reimagined student zone aims to recognize the role that students play in fueling the team’s spirit, while also rewarding their loyalty and enthusiasm through interactive promotions, contests, and exclusive access opportunities.
Carvana Keys: Igniting the Tradition
For Stanford Football fans, the beloved kickoff key-shaking tradition is getting a fresh new twist. As part of the Carvana Keys activation, each home football game will feature custom LED signage and interactive light displays, transforming the simple act of jingling keys into a visual spectacle that ignites the energy of the entire stadium. This long-standing Stanford ritual symbolizes readiness and anticipation—and with Carvana’s touch, it will shine brighter than ever before.
“REV IT UP” Cam, Fueled by Carvana
Inside Maples Pavilion, basketball fans will be introduced to the “REV IT UP” Cam, fueled by Carvana—a new videoboard feature designed to spotlight the loudest and most spirited fans in the arena. The camera segment will encourage everyone to show off their Cardinal pride, creating spontaneous, high-energy moments that connect the crowd, the team, and the brand.
Interactive In-Game Competitions
Adding even more excitement to game days, select Stanford basketball home games will include on-court contests and fan competitions presented by Carvana. Participants will have the chance to win exclusive prizes while engaging in fun, creative challenges that bring students and fans together. The goal: to make every home game an immersive, community-driven celebration of Stanford spirit.
Beyond the Game: Empowering Student-Athletes and Future Leaders
Carvana and Stanford’s collaboration extends well beyond sports arenas. Both organizations share a deep respect for education, innovation, and personal growth—values that form the cornerstone of this partnership.
Together, they will shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Stanford student-athletes. A co-branded content series will feature stories of student-athletes who exemplify excellence both on and off the field, showcasing how lessons learned through athletics—discipline, leadership, resilience—translate into success in academics and life after graduation.
In addition, the partnership will include networking and mentorship events connecting Stanford students and alumni with Carvana leaders. These sessions will create valuable opportunities for students to learn from industry professionals, explore career pathways, and gain insights into innovation-driven business practices. By bridging the gap between athletics, academics, and industry, the partnership aims to empower the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders.
A Personal Connection to Stanford’s Legacy
“This partnership is meaningful on both a personal and professional level,” said Dan Gill, Carvana’s Chief Product Officer and a member of the Stanford Athletics Hall of Fame for his achievements as a gymnast. “As a student-athlete at Stanford, I learned so much about persistence, resilience, creativity, and teamwork—key qualities that also guide Carvana’s culture. It’s exciting to see these two communities come together in a way that celebrates and builds on the values of Stanford Athletics.”
Gill’s personal connection underscores the authenticity and depth of this collaboration. His journey from a Stanford athlete to a senior executive at one of America’s most innovative companies reflects the shared DNA between Stanford and Carvana—a commitment to pushing boundaries, embracing challenges, and striving for excellence.
Driving the Future of Fan Engagement
Carvana’s partnership with Stanford Athletics reflects the company’s growing investment in sports marketing and community engagement. By aligning with leading athletic programs, Carvana aims to connect with audiences who share its passion for innovation, energy, and authenticity.
The company’s involvement with Stanford Athletics is more than a sponsorship—it’s a collaboration that seeks to reimagine what it means to be a fan in the digital age. From enhanced in-game entertainment to digital storytelling and experiential activations, Carvana and Stanford are setting a new standard for how brands and universities can work together to create lasting impact.
Fans, students, and alumni will begin to see this partnership come to life starting this fall, as new activations and fan experiences roll out across the Stanford campus.
About Carvana
Carvana’s mission is to change the way people buy and sell cars. Since launching in 2013, Carvana has revolutionized automotive retail and delighted millions of customers with an offering that is fun, fast, and fair. With Carvana, customers can find a car, get financing, trade in, and complete a purchase entirely online with the convenience of delivery or local pickup as soon as the same day. Carvana’s unique offering is powered by its passionate team, differentiated national infrastructure, and purpose-built technology.
About Stanford Athletics
Stanford’s Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (DAPER) is the premier intercollegiate athletics program in the country. The all-time leader in NCAA team championships with 137, Stanford has won at least one NCAA team title for 49 straight years dating back to the 1976-77 campaign. The department boasts nearly 900 student-athletes competing across 36 varsity teams, which have combined to produce 173 national championships overall and 658 individual national champions. Stanford has won the Learfield Directors’ Cup in 26 of the possible 31 seasons and is a 10-time recipient of the Capital One Cup. Stanford’s Olympic affiliates have captured 335 overall medals from 196 medalists, and the Cardinal totaled more Team USA selections than any other institution at the 2024 Paris Games, reinforcing its status as the preeminent training ground for national team competition.
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