University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville Seeking First Ever Jersey Patch Sponsor in Historic Brand Partner Opportunity
04.13.2026 | General
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – A first-of-its-kind opportunity is coming to brand partners of UNC Asheville Athletics, as the Bulldogs and UNC Asheville Sports Properties are teaming up to identify a jersey patch partner for the school's 16 Division I programs.
The centerpiece asset, which was recently approved by the NCAA in a historic vote on Jan. 23, provides brand partners with the most valuable sponsorship opportunity in college athletics. This jersey patch sponsorship will create unparalleled brand visibility for partners and infuse significant financial support into the Bulldogs' 16 athletic programs at a crucial time in the new era of college sports.
"Our student-athletes are Champions in Athletics and Leaders in Life, and they represent the best of our university and community when they put on the Bulldog uniform," said Janet R. Cone, UNC Asheville Director of Athletics. "Now we have an incredible opportunity to integrate a brand partner that will indelibly transform UNC Asheville Athletics and the Bulldog student-athlete experience."
With year-round visibility on television and streaming broadcasts, for in-venue attendees, and on web, social and digital channels across UNC Asheville's 16 programs, jersey patch sponsorship is expected to generate more than 4 million impressions over the course of each athletic season.
Jersey patch sponsor reach extends far beyond Asheville into major markets across the country. In recent years, Bulldog athletic programs have traveled to compete against high-profile Power 4 universities such as Michigan, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Clemson, and Virginia Tech. Additionally, UNC Asheville consistently competes across the region annually in North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia.
Coupled with additional assets available through UNC Asheville Sports Properties such as digital marketing services, NIL activation, storytelling video content, and school intellectual property integration, jersey patch sponsorship provides the most lucrative opportunity ever to create authentic connection with the most passionate fanbase there is – college sports fans.
"This is an incredible opportunity and one we are truly excited to pursue with a brand that shares the same ideals and dedication to success as everyone involved in Bulldog Athletics," said Dan Dial, General Manager of UNC Asheville Sports Properties. "The ability to integrate our jersey patch sponsorship with the right partner will be a game changer in the new age of college athletics, pushing UNC Asheville Athletics to even greater heights."
UNC Asheville Sports Properties, the locally based team of Learfield – the leading media and technology powering college athletics – is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for UNC Asheville Athletics and collaborates with the Bulldogs on all sponsorship opportunities. Across the country, Learfield has already shown success in delivering impactful jersey patch partnerships in power conference leagues and notable markets with the likes of Arkansas and UNLV.
If you or your brand are interested in discussing this opportunity, please contact UNC Asheville Sports Properties General Manager Dan Dial at ddial@unca.edu.
