BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana State University announced Monday that its athletics department has agreed to a historic jersey patch sponsorship deal with Woodside Energy, marking what officials described as the first such partnership in major college sports history. The agreement will put Woodside Energy logos on LSU uniforms beginning with the 2026-27 athletic season for both football and basketball, as well as all other varsity teams.
Under the multi-year arrangement, Woodside Energy is designated as the “Official Legacy Partner of LSU Athletics.” According to LSU Athletics Director Verge Ausberry, the collaboration “represents a monumental step forward for LSU Athletics and our student-athletes.”
The logo will be incorporated into the traditional LSU purple and gold color scheme across competition apparel, including helmets, jerseys and other uniform elements. The patch design was developed to align with the school’s branding while showcasing the sponsor’s identity.
Woodside Energy is an Australian-based global energy company with operations offshore Louisiana for nearly two decades and a major investment in the state’s liquefied natural gas infrastructure. The company recently announced a $17.5 billion final investment decision for its Louisiana LNG project, an initiative leaders said underscores the company’s commitment to the region.
Clay Harris, LSU’s Deputy Director of Athletics, described the partnership as “transformational” for the athletics program and its trajectory. “We are proud to be pioneers in this space and to do so in a way that has such a profound impact on LSU student-athletes and the state of Louisiana,” Harris said in a release.
The deal comes as NCAA Division I leaders approved new rules that allow commercial logos on uniforms and apparel beginning Aug. 1, 2026. The policy permits up to two commercial logos on uniforms and one on equipment during the regular season, a move expected to open significant revenue opportunities for athletic departments.
Experts say that jersey patches could generate millions of dollars annually for schools, with estimates suggesting that top programs might secure deals ranging from high six figures to low seven figures per year for each patch.
LSU’s decision to enter the jersey patch market is notable given its status as one of the nation’s high-profile athletics programs. The Tigers compete at a high level in both football and basketball, and their fan base has proven responsive to licensing and branding initiatives. Beginning in the 2026-27 season, both sports will sport the new patch during games.
The trend toward commercial sponsorship on uniforms follows broader shifts in collegiate athletics revenue since the introduction of name, image and likeness (NIL) compensation and a recent NCAA settlement that expanded financial opportunities for athletes and programs. Administrators say additional revenue streams are necessary to support the financial demands of modern college sports, including facilities, coaching salaries and recruitment efforts.
While some traditionalists have expressed concern about the commercialization of college uniforms, experts stress that tasteful execution can avoid the “billboard” effect seen in professional sports. Randy Carr, CEO of World Emblem, said patches need to be integrated carefully to preserve uniform integrity. “It only works if it’s done with discipline,” Carr said. “Uniforms shouldn’t turn into billboards.”
LSU’s announcement makes it the first program to officially unveil a jersey patch sponsor under the new NCAA guidelines, though other schools including the University of Nevada Las Vegas have also struck deals in anticipation of these rule changes.
The move is expected to begin generating new revenue streams for LSU Athletics next school year, and officials said it positions the program to exploit emerging sponsorship opportunities ahead of competitors. With Lane Kiffin installed as LSU’s head football coach and expectations high for the Tigers’ return to national prominence, the patch deal adds another element to what officials called an “exciting era” for LSU.
Supporters of the patch partnership say it provides financial benefits without undermining school tradition, but they acknowledge that the practice could become more common across college sports as schools seek creative revenue solutions.
The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of RVM News. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.