ORONO, Maine – Sponsorship patches may soon appear on the game uniforms of University of Maine student-athletes following a vote to allow them by the NCAA Division I Cabinet earlier this year.
Following the NCAA's decision, UMaine Athletics and its multimedia rights provider, Van Wagner, have expanded sponsorship opportunities to include jersey patch opportunities for corporate partners.
"We are thrilled to have this opportunity to potentially generate additional revenue that we can invest to strengthen support for our department and programs," said UMaine Vice President and Director of Athletics Jude Killy. "We look forward to exploring possibilities to showcase partners on our uniforms that reflect shared values and aligned brand identity."
Previously, the only commercial logo permitted on game uniforms was that of the equipment or apparel manufacturer. The new NCAA rule change will allow additional sponsorship patches to be added, including to game jerseys, and one additional logo on equipment during both the preseason and postseason. They can also add another logo on uniforms and apparel during conference championships.
Effective Aug. 1 NCAA Division I teams including UMaine will be permitted two commercial logos on their uniforms and apparel, and one additional commercial logo on equipment during the regular season. An additional commercial logo can be added for conference championships. The patches will be limited to a maximum of 4 square inches each.
"This creates a new opportunity to connect a brand with UMaine Athletics in an authentic and highly visible way," said Van Wagner General Manager Laurie Lozier. "In partnership with the university, our focus is on securing partners that are committed to enhancing the student-athlete experience, share our vision and believe in the continued momentum of the Black Bears."
For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Lozier at llozier@umaineas.com or 607-215-6502.
About Van Wagner
Van Wagner is a leading sports advertising and entertainment agency, with global expertise in live events, sponsorship sales, multimedia rights and aerial advertising. Van Wagner creates, advises and sells on behalf of world-class teams, leagues, brands and properties. An innovator in the sports and media business, Van Wagner is a global leader in high-impact broadcast visible signage throughout the NCAA, MLB, NBA, and international soccer, as well as collegiate multimedia rights and in-venue content production at the world's biggest sporting events. For more information, visit www.vanwagner.com.
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