The NCAA found another source of revenue Friday as Division I leaders approved uniform patches, a move that could generate millions of dollars to fund athletic departments that are looking for new ways to pay players.
Starting Aug. 1, Division I teams can place up to two patches no larger than 4 square inches on their uniforms for regular season games. These are in addition to logos already permitted by uniform manufacturers.
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The postseason rules committee will decide how to handle March Madness, the College World Series and other postseason games, taking care to ensure individual schools do not advertise for companies that compete with NCAA sponsors.
The College Football Playoff has also been looking at ways to provide patches for the sport’s postseason.
Some NBA teams make eight figures by selling some of their uniforms to advertisers. Sports Business Journal reported earlier this month that studies show patches for college football and basketball teams can earn between $500,000 and $12 million.
It’s the latest step the school is taking to help fund the $20.5 million in revenue it will share with players under new rules that take effect this school year. About 18 months ago, the NCAA gave the school approval to place the logo on the football field.
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“Today’s Cabinet vote reflects the continued commitment of Division I members to drive additional revenue and fully fund new player benefits,” said Illinois Athletic Director Josh Whitman, chairman of the Division I rulemaking body.
The NBA, NHL and Major League Baseball have all approved advertising on their uniforms over the past nine years, with the NFL being the last major league not to take advantage of this revenue stream.
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