Ohio State University has announced a groundbreaking partnership with JPMorganChase that will change college athletics. The deal includes a Chase Bank patch on the uniforms of all 36 varsity teams and is expected to bring the university close to $17 million annually.
This agreement sets a new financial benchmark in college sports. It also highlights the increasing role of commercial partnerships in collegiate athletics.
The deal includes more than just a patch on a jersey. It also covers sponsorships, financial education for athletes, and exclusive offers for Chase cardholders.
The Record-Breaking Deal
The partnership between Ohio State and JPMorganChase is a significant event in college sports. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the deal is expected to yield nearly $17 million per year, setting a new record for college sports.
This amount surpasses the average annual payment of $10.88 million that NBA sponsors pay for patch rights, according to GlobalData.
Scope of the Partnership
The Chase Bank patch will be featured on the uniforms of all 36 varsity teams at Ohio State. This covers a wide range of sports from football to fencing.
The Chase logo will appear on roughly 1,000 athletes across hundreds of events each year. Chase will also become the presenting sponsor of the 1922 Club, a new private club at Ohio Stadium, with added signage at Ohio Stadium and the Schottenstein Center.
Benefits Beyond the Patch
This partnership offers several benefits for athletes and the Ohio State community. Chase cardholders will get exclusive ticket offers and game day savings.
The deal also includes NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) agreements for athletes and financial education programming to help them manage their earnings.
Financial Education for Athletes
One key feature is the financial education programming that Chase will provide to Ohio State athletes. This aims to equip athletes with the knowledge and skills needed to manage their finances, especially with new revenue streams from NIL deals.
Impact on College Sports
This deal sets a new standard for college sports sponsorships. With the NCAA approving commercial patches in January, schools can now wear up to two logos of four square inches starting August 1.
Ohio State’s deal with Chase sets a high bar, and other athletic directors may seek similar agreements to increase their revenue.
Financial Implications for Ohio State
The nearly $17 million annual revenue from this deal will impact Ohio State’s financial standing. The university reported a record $336 million in revenue for fiscal 2025 against about $320 million in expenses.
This additional income will help fund various initiatives, including a planned $125 million renovation of the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
Community and Employment Impact
JPMorganChase has deep roots in Ohio, employing 18,000 people in central Ohio. The bank has hired over 1,700 Ohio State graduates in the past five years.
This partnership highlights the bank’s commitment to the local community and its ongoing impact on the region.
Corporate Partnerships in College Sports
Ross Bjork, Ohio State’s senior vice president and athletics director, said JPMorganChase is a natural partner due to its global brand and commitment to innovation and excellence. This partnership, brokered by Learfield’s Ohio State Sports Properties, shows the growing importance of corporate partnerships in college sports.
Looking Ahead
The Chase Bank patch will debut on September 5, when Ohio State’s football team faces Ball State. The Buckeyes will wear redesigned uniforms with Buckeye stripes on new turf at Safelite Field.
This event will start a new chapter in college sports, where commercial partnerships play a bigger role than ever before.
Future Trends
As Ohio State sets the precedent, other universities will likely follow suit. They are seeking lucrative sponsorship deals to bolster their athletic programs.
With 95% of college patch inventory still unsold, according to SponsorUnited, there is ample opportunity for other schools. Many schools can still capitalize on this trend.
For more details on this groundbreaking deal, visit the full article on Sports Illustrated.
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