By 1808Delaware
Ohio State Athletics is entering new commercial territory through a major partnership with JPMorganChase that will place Chase branding on uniforms across every Buckeye varsity sport. The agreement, announced Monday, designates Chase as the official bank sponsor of Ohio State Athletics and the jersey patch partner for the university’s 36 men’s and women’s varsity programs.
It is JPMorganChase’s first partnership of its kind in college athletics and represents a significant expansion of the company’s existing relationship with Ohio State and central Ohio.
More Than A Logo On A Jersey
Although the Chase patch will be the partnership’s most visible element, Ohio State officials said the agreement is designed to extend well beyond athletic branding. The investment will provide additional resources for name, image and likeness opportunities while supporting financial education, career development and long-term planning for student-athletes.
Programming is expected to include financial literacy resources, advisory support and student-athlete financial councils intended to help Buckeyes prepare for life after competition.
“Together, we have built a comprehensive and historic partnership that reflects the strong commercial strength of the Ohio State Athletics identity and the broader college athletics landscape,” Athletics Director Ross Bjork said.
Bjork said the agreement would create new opportunities for student-athletes while supporting the continued competitiveness of Ohio State’s athletic programs.
A Growing Presence Across Campus
JPMorganChase already maintains a substantial presence in central Ohio, with approximately 18,000 employees in the region and a history in the state extending more than 155 years. The largest concentration of such employment is in Delaware County and the 1808Delaware coverage area.
Its ties to Ohio State include classroom presentations, scholarships, internships, mentorship programs, career fairs and commercial banking relationships. More than 1,700 Ohio State alumni have joined the company during the past five years, according to the announcement.
“Ohio State is a driving force in Columbus, and this partnership is another way we’re demonstrating our commitment to the people and places we serve,” said Becky Griffin, JPMorganChase’s Columbus location leader.
New Benefits For Buckeye Fans
The partnership will also bring a greater Chase presence to Ohio Stadium and the Schottenstein Center. JPMorganChase will serve as presenting sponsor of the new 1922 Club, while Chase cardholders will receive access to special ticket offers, gameday savings, premium experiences and other Buckeye-related benefits.
Jennifer Roberts, CEO of Chase Consumer Banking, said the agreement is intended to connect the company with student-athletes and fans both on campus and beyond.
“From financial education and resources for student-athletes to exclusive fan experiences and gameday offers, this partnership brings Chase’s unique capabilities to the Ohio State community,” Roberts said.
A Sign Of College Athletics’ Changing Economy
The agreement arrives as major college athletic departments continue to seek new revenue sources and broader corporate partnerships. Jersey sponsorships, once largely associated with professional sports, are becoming part of the evolving financial structure surrounding college athletics, NIL opportunities and direct support for athletes. For Ohio State, the Chase agreement adds a prominent global brand to one of the most commercially valuable names in college sports.
The partnership was developed with university and athletics leadership and Learfield’s Ohio State Sports Properties, the university’s exclusive multimedia rights holder.
Learfield CEO Cole Gahagan called the agreement a pairing of two global brands and said JPMorganChase’s first college athletics investment reflects the strength of Ohio State’s national reach.
The Chase patch may be the most immediate change Buckeye fans notice. The larger impact, however, could be seen in the new financial, academic and career resources available to the athletes wearing it.
Source: Ohio State Athletics Department
