Film Room: Jersey patch Q&A

As we previously noted, the NCAA recently approved legislation permitting institutions to include commercial or nonprofit logos on uniforms, equipment, and apparel. The specific changes to relevant NCAA Bylaws can be found here.

On February 9, the NCAA published a Q&A detailing key considerations. Notably, the Q&A indicates: 

• Manufacturer (apparel company) logos may increase in size. Schools might revisit existing arrangements with apparel partners to ensure alignment in the application of newly permissible sponsorships. [Q&A Nos. 4, 6-7]
• Logos (and sponsors) can vary across pre-game, game, and post-game uniforms and apparel. [Q&A No. 8]
• Logos (and sponsors) can vary between home and away uniforms for the same sport program. [Q&A No. 14]
• Logos (and sponsors) can vary across different sport programs. [Q&A No. 18]
• Sport oversight groups are expected to advise on the uniform and equipment patch location for specific sports. [Q&A No. 19] 
• The additional logo permitted for conference championships can vary across the championships of different sports. [Q&A No. 23]

Schools aiming to maximize the opportunity will develop and begin executing a game plan that marries the flexibility permitted by the rule change with important school specifics, including the visibility and strategic interests of specific sports, existing arrangements with any multimedia rights partners, and more. 

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If you have any questions about this Legal Briefing, please feel free to contact any of the attorneys listed or the Eversheds Sutherland attorney with whom you regularly work.