Illinois partnering with Busey Bank for inaugural jersey patch – The News-Gazette

CHAMPAIN — Illinois will extend its relationship with Busey Bank starting this fall, with Busey Bank becoming the inaugural jersey patch sponsor for football, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer, and men’s and women’s golf.  

The Busey Bank mark will also appear on sideline apparel worn by Illinois coaches, including Bret Bielema, Shauna Green and Brad Underwood.

“With the introduction of increased corporate visibility on uniforms and coaching apparel, it was important for us to identify the right partner for such a high-profile, first-of-its-kind opportunity to be so closely aligned with our student-athletes, staff and the Fighting Illini brand,” Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman said in an official release. “For nearly 160 years, the University of Illinois and Busey Bank have shared a history that has helped shape this great community. Both of our organizations are experiencing remarkable growth in prominence, reputation and success, and we are excited to help each other further accelerate our respective missions through this exciting partnership.”

The University of Illinois and Busey Bank were founded in consecutive years — 1867 and 1868, respectively — and have long partnered in the Champaign-Urbana community. In addition to becoming the jersey patch sponsor, Busey Bank will also be the official financial services partner of Illinois athletics. Busey Bank will also remain the sponsor of the Fighting Illini radio network.

“This is more than a sponsorship — it’s an investment in the future of Illinois Athletics and in the students and alumni who carry the University’s impact beyond campus,” said Van Dukeman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First Busey Corporation. “Rooted in Champaign-Urbana, Busey and the University of Illinois were founded just three months apart, and we’re proud to continue that shared legacy through a partnership grounded in excellence and community. Together, we’re creating opportunities that will benefit student-athletes, students, alumni, fans and the communities we serve for generations to come.”