Ohio State Secures $15M Annual Jersey Patch Deal with JPMorgan Chase

Comcast Corporation-owned NBC Sports reported that Ohio State has finalized a jersey patch sponsorship with JPMorgan Chase worth $15 million per year. This agreement places the Buckeyes among the elite in collegiate apparel monetization, reportedly ranking just behind Notre Dame’s recent pact with SoFi in terms of annual value.

The move highlights the shifting financial landscape of college athletics, where institutions are seeking high-margin revenue streams to support talent acquisition. Head coach Ryan Day emphasized that the university’s administration, including Athletic Director Ross Bjork and President Ravi Bellamkonda, is committed to securing necessary funding.

“We know Ohio State football can’t fail,” Day stated, acknowledging that maintaining a competitive roster requires adapting to new economic realities in college sports.

As schools navigate the intersection of Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) and potential revenue sharing, jersey patches and on-field branding have become vital assets. Day noted that while financial resources are non-negotiable for competing at a high level, the cultural fit of recruits remains a priority for the program.

What to watch

• Future earnings reports from major media rights holders regarding collegiate advertising demand.
• Regulatory developments regarding revenue-sharing models in college athletics.

Source: original release