Notre Dame Adds Jersey Patches: Why It’s a Vital Next Step in College Sports - Sports Illustrated

What the report says

Sports Illustrated reported that Notre Dame athletics will add sponsored SoFi patches to uniforms across all sports during the 2026–27 academic year, marking a major commercial step for one of college sports’ most tradition-associated programs. SI described the six-year agreement as the largest announced deal of its kind in college athletics, with industry experts valuing it in the nine-figure range.

The partnership links Notre Dame with SoFi, the online personal finance company already prominent in sports marketing through SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and sponsorship relationships with the NBA and USA Basketball. Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua told SI the school sought to handle the change in a way consistent with its image, noting that the football program has already worn postseason patches and that the arrangement is intended to support athletes beyond uniform branding.

According to SI, Notre Dame will continue to avoid on-field advertising at its stadium, while the SoFi deal will also connect to the university’s “4 For Forever” athlete-development program. Reported elements include financial literacy support and a one-year, full-tuition scholarship for one male and one female walk-on athlete who meet criteria tied to leadership, service and resilience.

The move comes as athletic departments look for new revenue sources after legal and structural changes in college sports, including the House v. NCAA settlement and the start of direct school payments to athletes. SI framed the Notre Dame deal as part of a broader trend, noting that several major programs have pursued jersey patch sponsorships as costs tied to recruiting, retaining and compensating athletes continue to rise.