Big Bucks for Big Teams: Ohio State and Notre Dame Sign Jersey Sponsorship Deals

A historic deal has been struck between Ohio State University and Chase Bank, securing a reported $17 million sponsorship that will see the bank's logo adorning all Buckeye sports jerseys starting with the 2026-27 season. In a follow-up announcement, Notre Dame revealed its own multi-year, 8-figure contract with SoFi, to be emblazoned on the Fighting Irish’s football uniforms next year and beyond.

The NCAA approved new rules effective August 1, allowing up to two additional commercial logos per jersey during games, giving big-time programs a massive revenue boost. According to Yahoo Sports - Top Stories, this latest development in the NIL era means schools like Ohio State and Notre Dame can now command astronomical sums for these patches.

Starting next season, fan-favorite players will see multiple sponsors' logos on their jerseys, reflecting changes in how sports revenue is generated.

New Jersey Patch Rules Explained: How They Work

The NCAA guidelines permit two commercial logos per jersey and one during championship games. This means a conference like the Big 12 can offer an additional spot to sponsors beyond established sponsors like Monster Energy, highlighting the growing financial divide between big- and small-time athletic programs.

It’s no surprise that these major universities are pushing boundaries—championship play is where the extra cash flows in!

Why Now? The NIL Era Changes Everything

The 2021-22 academic year marked a sea change with student-athletes allowed to profit from their names, images, and likenesses (NILs). This has significantly altered how universities generate revenue. Notably, both schools are leveraging this opportunity to create new income streams.

The future looks bright as universities explore innovative methods of monetization in the NIL era.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Is Ohio State's Deal Worth?

This deal with Chase Bank is reportedly worth up to $17 million over several years, making it one of the most lucrative jersey sponsorship deals in college athletics history.

Will Other Teams Be Able to Match These Deals?

While not every school can hope for such blockbuster deals, smaller universities may still find ways to capitalize on the new NCAA rules. However, Ohio State and Notre Dame are well-positioned given their massive fanbases and brand value.

When Will We See These New Jersey Patches?

The changes will begin with 2026-27 seasons for both schools, meaning fans can look forward to seeing multiple brands on college jerseys in just over a year. It could make game days more exciting or lead to some confusion—only time will tell.