The NCAA discovered another revenue source Friday when Division I leaders approved patches for uniforms that could generate millions of dollars to fund athletic departments that are looking for new ways to pay players.
Beginning August 1, Division I teams may wear two patches of no more than 4 square inches on uniforms for regular season games. These are in addition to the logos already approved for uniform manufacturers.
Rules committees for the postseason will decide how to handle March Madness, the College World Series and other playoff tournaments, with a focus on ensuring that individual schools are not advertising for companies that compete with NCAA sponsors.
The College Football Playoff is also considering how to allow patches for that game after the season.
Some NBA teams earn eight-figure sums by selling parts of their team uniforms to advertisers. Sports Business Journal reported earlier this month that research showed college football and basketball teams could earn between $500,000 and $12 million for their patches.
It’s the latest move to help schools bankroll the $20.5 million in revenue they are allowed to share with players under new rules implemented this school year. This comes about 18 months after the NCAA allowed schools to place the logo on their football fields.
Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman, who chairs the Division I rule-making body, said, “Today’s vote by the Cabinet reflects the ongoing commitment of Division I members to raise additional revenue and fully fund new players.”
The NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball have approved advertising on their uniforms over the past nine years, with the NFL standing as the last major American league not to tap into that revenue stream.
