The Louisiana State University athletic department announced Monday its "precedent-setting, multiyear deal" to feature patches bearing the name of sponsor Woodside Energy on the competition jerseys and apparel of all 21 LSU varsity sports teams starting with the 2026-27 athletic season.
“This partnership with Woodside Energy represents a monumental step forward for LSU Athletics and our student-athletes,” director of athletics Verge Ausberry stated in the announcement on lsusports.net. “LSU continues to set the standard and remains at the forefront of this new era of collegiate athletics, and we are excited to align athletic excellence with community impact through this historic collaboration.”
Athletic departments can bank on uniform sponsorship patches beginning Aug. 1, after NCAA Division I leaders approved such deals in January.
Related: NCAA Approves Commercial Patches for Uniforms, Equipment and Apparel
The patches have the potential to generate millions of dollars for schools, World Emblem CEO Randy Carr told The Associated Press.
As reported by the AP's Maura Carey, Carr estimated patches for top football and basketball brands could “realistically land in the high six figures to low seven figures annually.”
“Schools now are looking to pull every revenue lever that they possibly can, not only to cover the cost of the 20.5 million on the rev-share, but also to support all the additional expectations and accountabilities that come with this new student-athlete experience,” said Solly Fulp, the vice president of NIL growth and development at media and technology company Learfield.
Carr warned that patches are effective only when tastefully executed. The LSU patch, for example, will mirror the Tigers' purple and gold color scheme.
“It only works if it’s done with discipline. Uniforms shouldn’t turn into billboards,” Carr said, as reported by the AP. “Patches can generate meaningful revenue without compromising the integrity of college sports.”
“The accountability to execute has been higher than ever,” Fulp added. “As we unlock these revenue opportunities, the universities expect execution that comes with that.”
Through its partnership, Woodside Energy will also act as an Official Community Partner of LSU Athletics, according to the LSU announcement.
“Woodside has a strong history of investing in the communities where our employees live and work," Woodside president of Louisiana LNG Sarah Bairstow said. "Following our decision to make one of the largest foreign investments in the state’s history, we are pleased to begin a new partnership with the state’s flagship university."
This historic deal with Woodside Energy will extend far beyond the jersey patch. Woodside will have prominent signage at all athletic venues as well as a diverse mix of marketing assets across all LSU sports channels.
“This partnership with Woodside Energy represents a transformational moment for LSU Athletics and speaks to the trajectory of college sports,” said Clay Harris, LSU deputy director of athletics. “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. We are beyond thrilled to welcome Woodside Energy to LSU and the LSU Athletics family.”
