It was only a matter of time, but get ready for advertising patches on jerseys in college sports.
Patch sponsorships have been approved by the NCAA Division I Cabinet, the governing body announced Friday, with the legislation slated to take effect in August of this year, just ahead of the 2026 college football season.
Under the new rules, schools will be permitted to have up to two commercial logos of no more than four square inches each on their teams’ uniforms, plus an additional one during all preseason and postseason games.
Another logo can also be added for conference championships.
“College sports are in an exciting new era of increased financial benefits for student-athletes, and the Cabinet’s vote today reflects the ongoing commitment of Division I members to drive additional revenues and fully fund those benefits,” Illinois athletic director and D-1 Cabinet chair Josh Whitman said in a statement. “This also continues the NCAA’s efforts to expand flexibility in areas of NCAA rules, thereby allowing schools and conferences to set standards that reflect their values and serve their unique needs.
“This important policy change is another step forward in advancing that philosophy and providing members with increased flexibility.”
NCAA president Charlie Baker recently praised Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark — formerly the CEO of Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment where he oversaw Barclays Center and business operations of the Nets, Islanders and Liberty — for his role in getting the patches approved.
The NBA, the NHL, MLB and MLS currently allow teams to wear advertising patches on their uniforms, but the NFL does not.
The NCAA has allowed its players to cash in on name, image and likeness (NIL) deals since 2021.
