Buckeye threads are about to look a little different.
In a historic move, Ohio State has partnered with JPMorgan Chase to place jersey patches on the uniforms of all 36 varsity teams, marking the first time corporate sponsors will appear on the school’s iconic gear, according to multiple sources.
The deal is expected to be worth nearly $17 million per year for Ohio State, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Ohio State athletic director Ross Bjork said the partnership reflects the university’s commitment to innovation while creating new opportunities for student-athletes.
“JPMorganChase is a global brand with deep roots in Ohio, making them a natural partner that shares our commitment to innovation, excellence and long-term community impact,” Bjork said. “Together, we have built a comprehensive and historic partnership that reflects the strong commercial strength of the Ohio State Athletics identity and the broader college athletics landscape. This relationship creates meaningful opportunities for our student-athletes that support the sustained excellence and competitiveness of our athletic programs, while honoring the tradition and values of Ohio State.”
Beyond the jersey patch sponsorship, JPMorganChase will also provide NIL opportunities and financial literacy programming for Ohio State athletes, according to an Ohio State press release.
The partnership makes JPMorgan the presenting sponsor of the new 1922 Club at Ohio Stadium, with sites such as Ohio Stadium and the Schottenstein Center receiving “expanded branding” to “enhance fan experience.”
According to the press release, Chase cardholders will receive exclusive benefits such as “special ticket offers, gameday savings, premium experiences and other opportunities designed to deepen fans’ connection to the Buckeyes.”
Image via PeteThamel on X
