- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
UND athletics explores commercial jersey patches
The school placed a request for information for possible branding partners.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:07pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The University of North Dakota athletics department has taken the first step in exploring the use of jersey patches on its uniforms. UND's Fighting Hawks Sports Partnerships (FHSP) division has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gauge interest from businesses and organizations that may want to have their brand featured on UND athletics uniforms, equipment, and other gameday apparel.
Why it matters
This move by UND follows recent NCAA legislation that allows additional commercial trademarks or logos on college athletics uniforms starting in 2026. Some schools have already announced jersey patch partnerships, and UND wants to understand the market interest and identify potential collaborators that align with the university's brand and values.
The details
The RFI is designed to collect feedback from interested parties on which specific sports, uniform locations, or apparel items may be of interest to them. UND will use the responses to help shape a future selection process for jersey patch partnerships. The RFI is not a request for proposals and does not represent a binding opportunity, but rather an information-gathering exercise. Responses are due by May 1 and will remain confidential.
- The NCAA recently approved legislation allowing additional commercial trademarks or logos on college athletics uniforms, equipment and apparel beginning August 1, 2026.
- UND issued the Request for Information on March 31, 2026.
- Responses to the RFI are due by May 1, 2026.
The players
Bill Chaves
The athletic director at the University of North Dakota.
Tony Goldenstein
The Fighting Hawks Sports Partnerships Director at the University of North Dakota.
Fighting Hawks Sports Partnerships (FHSP)
The sponsorship arm for UND athletics and the Ralph Engelstad Arena.
What they’re saying
“As collegiate athletics continues to evolve, we are always exploring thoughtful and strategic opportunities to support our student-athletes and strengthen our programs. Issuing this Request for Information on uniform patch partnerships allows us to better understand the marketplace and identify potential collaborators who align with UND's values and brand. We are committed to a process that is both transparent and beneficial to the long-term success of Fighting Hawks athletics.”
— Bill Chaves, Athletic Director, University of North Dakota
What’s next
The school said it will use the responses from the RFI to help shape a future selection process for jersey patch partnerships.
The takeaway
UND's exploration of jersey patch partnerships reflects the evolving landscape of college athletics, where schools are seeking new revenue streams while balancing their brand and values. The RFI process allows UND to gauge market interest and identify potential partners that align with the university's goals.
