With player compensation at the forefront of the NCAA’s ever-evolving rule changes since 2021, the member-led organization is becoming more like a professional sports league. With the emergence of player compensation through name, image, and likeness (NIL), the floodgates opened for college athletes to make money at the “amateur” level. Earlier this month, a court ruling again favored NCAA athletes, allowing schools to pay players through revenue share. Universities can now pay players on top of their lucrative NIL deals, meaning the NCAA will look to diversify their revenue streaming profile further.
On Wednesday, at the SEC’s Annual meeting, Florida athletics director Scott Stricklin claimed the organization will seek sponsors through jersey patches and field representation. Adding patches on jerseys would put the NCAA on par with the NBA and MLB regarding uniform design.
NCAA: Considering Sponsorships Via Jersey Patches
In 2017, the NBA adopted the practice of sponsorship of jerseys via patches. The NBA opened with two-thirds of the league operating with sponsored patches on jerseys in an approach toward new-age marketing. As of 2024, only the Memphis Grizzlies, the New York Knicks, and the Portland Trail Blazers operate without a patch partner. The MLB adapted 4-by-4 jersey patches in 2023, with companies like Kroger (Cincinnati Reds) and ADT (Miami Marlins) getting in on the action.
Next week, the NCAA rules committee will discuss a proposal to add corporate sponsorships to football fields and jerseys.
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However, the NCAA would differ from the NFL if it allowed sponsored jersey patches. As of the 2024 season, the NFL does not allow these marketing deals, although it does broker deals for stadium rights.
NCAA: Also Considering On-Field Sponsorship
Last year, the NCAA only allowed corporate sponsorships to have displays on a football field if they purchased naming rights to the field or were sponsoring a neutral site or bowl game. However, the NCAA is considering logos at midfield and each 25-yard line. According to Yahoo Sports, the organization could record another $6 million in added revenue with multiple on-field sponsorships.
The NCAA’s meeting early next month could usher in a new revenue era for college athletes and their respective universities. Florida AD Scott Stricklin also believes the organization could gain more revenue outside of added corporate sponsorships, including the addition of an official fantasy football format.
“Is fantasy sports for college athletics licensed with real player names, and they get a cut, and the school gets a cut, and it gets people involved? Is that something we should consider? I think any and all of those should be on the table,” said Stricklin.
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