Founded in 1869, the Cincinnati Reds are one of Major League Baseball’s most iconic franchises, attracting two million fans to home games annually. As an employer, the Reds support their 400 full-time employees with a comprehensive total rewards package designed to promote well-being, engagement, and long-term retention.
Need
The Reds have partnered with PNC since 2000 to provide financial wellness benefits as part of its competitive total rewards package. Over time, this partnership has expanded to provide more financial wellness benefits that support the Reds’ commitment to employee well-being, work-life balance, and community engagement.
Following recent growth in hiring, the Reds identified employee financial stress as a growing concern — impacting productivity, engagement, and retention. Recruiting top talent in the competitive sports management industry also remains a challenge. These factors prompted the organization to explore additional benefits that give employees greater flexibility and reduce financial stress.
Solution
PNC delivers benefits accessible across all Reds work environments — from Cincinnati headquarters to Arizona training facilities to employees working remotely throughout the U.S.
Through PNC, employees have access to a bank-at-work program offering convenient access to competitive banking products and both virtual and in-person financial education. Employees attend sessions on budgeting and saving and meet quarterly with a PNC Financial Wellness Consultant for personalized guidance on priorities such as emergency savings and homeownership. Tax-advantaged PNC BeneFit Plus Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) help employees enrolled in the Reds’ most popular health plan — a High-Deductible Health Plan — manage healthcare costs and simplify expense tracking.
To support long-term planning, PNC Fiduciary Investment Services delivers quarterly education sessions focused on retirement investing. The Reds’ internal 401(k) committee relies on PNC’s expertise and regulatory insights to make informed decisions that strengthen the plan for employees.
Results
Employee surveys show stronger engagement scores, with financial wellness cited as a valued component of the Reds’ total rewards package. Attendance at financial education sessions has increased, and year-over-year growth in 401(k) participation and HSA contributions reflects greater engagement with benefits and long-term planning.
Financial wellness benefits also contributed to the Reds being named one of Ohio’s Healthiest Employers, reflecting their commitment to supporting physical, mental, and financial health." to say, "The Reds were named one of Ohio’s Healthiest Employers, reflecting their commitment to supporting physical, mental, and financial health.
PNC is the Official bank of the Cincinnati Reds and offers a co-branded debit card for fans to show their Reds’ pride. The partnership also extends beyond the ballpark, through initiatives such as the Reds Youth Academy, RedsFest, and the Community Advocate Awards — programs that use baseball to inspire young people, support local families, and strengthen the Greater Cincinnati community.
PNC brings not only financial resources but also leadership, volunteerism, and a shared passion for creating opportunities. It’s a partnership that truly embodies what it means to be community-driven — and we’re proud to have PNC alongside us in that work.
