College Sports Jerseys to Feature Advertising Patches

Well, it was bound to happen eventually—college sports jerseys will soon sport advertising patches. The NCAA Division I Cabinet announced on Friday that this new sponsorship initiative is set to kick off this August, just in time for the 2026 college football season.

According to the new regulations, schools can showcase up to two commercial logos on their uniforms, each not exceeding 4 square inches. Additionally, they can display another logo during preseason and postseason games, which is interesting.

And if that’s not enough, there’s also an opportunity to add a logo for conference championships. This shows an evolving landscape in college sports, doesn’t it?

Josh Whitman, Illinois State Athletic Director and Cabinet Chair, mentioned that this move represents a new and exciting era for college sports. He emphasized how it reflects a commitment to increasing the financial benefits for student-athletes. “The vote today indicates our ongoing dedication to generating more revenue and fully supporting these benefits,” he said. It appears the NCAA is indeed seeking more flexibility for schools and conferences, allowing them to set their own standards to fit their values.

Whitman further stated, “This vital policy change is a step forward in enhancing flexibility for our members.”

NCAA President Charlie Baker has also highlighted the role of Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark in facilitating the patch approval, crediting him for leveraging his background in business and sports management.

Currently, leagues like the NBA, NHL, MLB, and MLS allow advertising patches on uniforms, whereas the NFL stands apart in this aspect.

It’s worth mentioning that since 2021, the NCAA has permitted players to profit from Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, shifting the dynamics significantly.