KU Athletics partners with Ripple for jersey patch deal
July 8, 2026
Kansas Athletics made a groundbreaking announcement regarding a new partnership with Ripple, a technology company that focuses on blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. This move comes at a time when new NCAA rules permit college sports teams to display corporate logos on their uniforms. Ripple’s collaboration with the University of Kansas will involve an XRP patch being prominently featured on all KU sports uniforms.
This partnership signifies a significant step forward for college athletics in embracing innovative and forward-thinking alliances. Travis Goff, the athletic director at KU, expressed his excitement about this new venture, emphasizing Ripple’s recognition of the widespread enthusiasm and dedication of the Jayhawk community. This strategic partnership positions Kansas Athletics as a premier platform to introduce XRP and blockchain technology to millions of sports fans. The XRP logo showcased on Jayhawk uniforms signifies a shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and contemporary sporting partnerships.
Kansas is not the only program in the Big 12 to pursue a jersey patch deal. Oklahoma State has also initiated a collaboration with the Osage Nation. Moreover, the Big 12 conference itself recently unveiled a new deal with Monster Energy that will see all member schools incorporating a hybrid Big 12 and Monster Energy logo on their football and basketball jerseys. Nevertheless, the exact details remain murky, as it is not clear whether the Monster insignia counts towards the NCAA’s limit of two corporate logos that teams can display during the preseason and regular season.
Although the terms of the deal between KU and Ripple have not been publicly disclosed, estimates from industry sources have suggested that jersey patch deals could range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars annually. Jayhawk Sports Properties, under Learfield’s management, played a pivotal role in facilitating this landmark collaboration between Ripple and Kansas Athletics. This partnership underscores the visionary leadership of Travis Goff and the university’s commitment to exploring novel opportunities in the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics.
When discussing the potential of jersey patch deals earlier this year, Goff emphasized the desire for partnerships that transcend mere logo placements. True to his vision, the collaboration with Ripple extends beyond traditional sponsorship to support financial and technology education programs for student-athletes and the broader campus community. These initiatives cover both conventional finance and digital assets, reflecting Ripple’s commitment to fostering innovation and cultivating talent within the Kansas community.
Looking ahead, KU may have the opportunity to explore additional corporate partnerships on athletic equipment and conference-championship apparel depending on the nuances of the agreement with Monster Energy. The XRP patch, prominently displayed on Jayhawk uniforms, marks a new era of collaboration and innovation in college sports, underscoring Kansas Athletics’ commitment to excellence, creativity, and forward-looking partnerships.
