Ohio State announced a partnership with JPMorgan Chase that will put the bank’s logo on Buckeyes jerseys across all sports programs.
The deal makes JPMorgan Chase the official bank sponsor of Ohio State Athletics starting in the 2026-27 season. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the partnership is worth nearly $17 million per year.
The start of a new chapter begins today @Chase. #GoBucks | #ChasePartner
The agreement covers all 36 Ohio State sports programs. Industry sources expect it to be the leader among these types of corporate partnerships in college athletics.
Financial Support and NIL Opportunities
JPMorgan Chase will help support NIL opportunities for Ohio State athletes as part of the deal. The bank will also provide resources for financial literacy education to students.
Buckeyes athletes will get access to programs designed to prepare them for life after college.
“JPMorgan Chase 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,” Ohio State Athletic Director Ross Bjork said in the deal’s announcement.
Bjork called it a “comprehensive and historic partnership” that reflects Ohio State’s commercial strength in college athletics.
The partnership creates opportunities for student-athletes while supporting the competitiveness of athletic programs, according to Bjork.
Chase’s College Athletics Strategy
For JPMorgan Chase, the deal represents a way to connect with Ohio’s largest university while expanding into college sports.
“Ohio State leads the way in college athletics, and we’re proud to support the student-athletes and fans who power that tradition,” said Jennifer Roberts, CEO of Chase Consumer Banking.
Roberts said the partnership brings Chase’s capabilities to the Ohio State community through financial education, fan experiences and gameday offers.
The bank views the agreement as connecting with both campus and broader fan communities.
Jersey Patch Details
The JPMorgan Chase patch appears on the front of Ohio State jerseys across all sports. In football, it’s located over the right shoulder. For basketball, the patch sits on the left shoulder.
Ohio State announces a partnership deal with JPMorganChase as the official bank sponsor and the new jersey patch partner across the school’s 36 varsity programs.
The patch features the classic Chase logo with the bank’s name underneath. It integrates seamlessly with the rest of the jersey design.
The $17 million annual value makes this partnership one of the most significant corporate deals in college athletics. Ohio State continues to lead in finding new revenue streams as programs adapt to the NIL era.
The deal shows how major universities are partnering with Fortune 500 companies to support their athletic programs and student-athletes.
