The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announced Monday that it would expand its partnership with Busey Bank. As part of the deal, Busey is the inaugural, official jersey patch partner for Illini athletics.
Both Busey and Illinois have long-standing histories of helping shape the Champaign-Urbana community. Starting this fall, the two will join forces, expanding their recognition both in-state and nationally.
“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,” said Director of Athletics Josh Whitman in a press release.
Additionally, Busey will remain the sponsor of the Busey Bank Illini Sports Network and fan and community events, such as FamILLy Movie Night at Gies Memorial Stadium on Aug. 8.
As for the jersey patch, the deal is for five years at $30 million, averaging out to $6 million annually. The Busey logo will appear on the jerseys for nine varsity sports starting this fall: football, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer and men’s and women’s golf.
“Few brand relationships carry the kind of shared history these two organizations have, and pairing that history with a 365-day, comprehensive partnership is what ensures their shared commitment is felt across the Illinois Athletics community for years to come,” said Learfield President of Sports Properties Kim Damron in the press release.
Illinois is the third Big Ten school to add an advertisement patch to its uniforms this summer. It follows Michigan State, which now dons an MSU Federal Credit Union patch, and Wisconsin, which partnered with Culver’s.
In a press release, men’s basketball head coach Brad Underwood said that partnering with Busey is just the latest chapter in an ever-changing collegiate athletics landscape.
“Busey is a forward-thinking organization and like-minded partner,” Underwood said. “There is great alignment between these community-based institutions, and we are excited to strengthen our relationship for years to come.”
Football head coach Bret Bielema and women’s basketball head coach Shauna Green shared similar thoughts on the partnership as Underwood. Both said that Busey has many values in common with their respective programs and that they will proudly wear its logo next to the Block I.
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