The NCAA discovered another revenue stream Friday when Division I leaders approved uniform patches in a move that could generate millions to fund athletic departments that are looking for new ways to pay players.
Beginning August 1, Division I teams can place up to two patches no larger than 4 inches square on uniforms for regular season games. These are in addition to the logos already permitted for uniform manufacturers.
Postseason rules committees will decide how to handle March Madness, the College World Series and other playoff tournaments, and attention will be paid to ensuring that individual schools do not advertise companies that compete with NCAA sponsors.
The College Football Playoff has also been investigating how to allow patches for that sport's postseason.
Some NBA teams earn eight-figure sums by selling parts of their uniforms to advertisers. Sports Business Journal reported earlier this month that research has shown that college football and basketball teams could earn between $500,000 and $12 million for their patches.
It's the latest move for schools to help fund the $20.5 million in revenue they can share with players under new rules that went into effect this school year. It comes about 18 months after the NCAA approved allowing schools to place logos on their football fields.
“Today's Cabinet vote reflects Division I members' continued commitment to generating additional revenue and fully funding” benefits for new players, said Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman, who chairs Division I's regulatory body.
The NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball have approved advertising on their uniforms for the past nine years, and the NFL is the latest major American league not to take advantage of that revenue stream.
