Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jul 28
Ohio State Lands $17 Million JPMorganChase Jersey Patch Deal Across 36 Teams
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jul 28

Ohio State Lands $17 Million JPMorganChase Jersey Patch Deal Across 36 Teams

3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jul 28

Summary

  • Nearly $17 million a year will flow to Ohio State athletics under a new JPMorganChase partnership that puts Chase patches on uniforms across all 36 Buckeyes teams.
  • The deal is believed to be one of the biggest non-apparel corporate agreements in college sports, with annual patch revenue topping many NBA jersey-patch arrangements.
  • JPMorganChase's package also includes NIL opportunities for athletes, giving Ohio State another funding stream as schools adapt to paying players.
  • Division I leaders approved uniform patches in January, allowing up to two 4-square-inch ads in regular-season games as athletic departments seek new revenue; the College Football Playoff is still exploring postseason rules.

Insights

As corporate logos invade college uniforms, will this multimillion-dollar deal directly enrich athletes or merely fund an endless athletic arms race?
With Ohio State selling its iconic jersey space for millions, which legendary college football powerhouse will be the next to cash in?

Ohio State’s $17 Million-Per-Year Chase Deal: How a Record Jersey Patch Is Reshaping College Sports, Athlete Pay, and Tradition

Overview

In August 2026, Ohio State University launched a historic $17 million-per-year partnership with JPMorgan Chase, enabled by new NCAA rules allowing sponsor patches on uniforms. This deal puts the Chase logo on all 36 varsity teams, nearly covers the university’s new $21.3 million athlete revenue-sharing bill, and preserves Ohio State’s financial independence without adding student fees. The partnership also brings robust NIL opportunities, financial literacy, and career support for athletes, giving Ohio State a recruiting edge. However, the move sparked backlash from fans concerned about the commercialization of iconic uniforms, reflecting a growing divide between wealthy programs and smaller schools.

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