Notre Dame and SoFi Announce Historic Partnership
- Brenden Duffy
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
On Tuesday, the University of Notre Dame and SoFi Technologies announced a multi-year collaboration.
Image via Notre Dame Athletics
This landmark deal allows SoFi to become the official financial services partner of Notre Dame Athletics, and it will become the first non-apparel brand to appear as a jersey patch on all Irish uniforms. The collaboration will include the following, via Notre Dame release:
SoFi Champions Scholarship
“As part of the shared commitment to help student-athletes build strong futures, the partnership introduces the SoFi Champions Scholarship, a comprehensive scholarship program dedicated to walk-on student-athletes, annually recognizing one men’s and one women’s student-athlete who exemplify ambition, resilience, leadership and service. Each recipient will receive a one-year full tuition scholarship.”
Student-Athlete Financial Success Hub
“The collaboration will also include a student-athlete services hub, bringing SoFi’s financial education, planning tools, personalized guidance and products directly to student-athletes, giving them the resources to make smarter financial decisions during their time on campus and prepare for life after graduation.”
SoFi Saturdays and Member Experiences
“…SoFi members and Notre Dame alumni and fans will have the opportunity to take part in exclusive opportunities surrounding Fighting Irish gamedays and events, including ticket giveaways, tailgates and private events.”
Fighting Irish Jersey Patch
“SoFi will be featured across all game and practice uniforms for Notre Dame’s 26 varsity teams.”
Another unique element of this collaboration is that SoFi will be establishing “a new annual $1.4 million fund to support Notre Dame’s “4 for Forever” campaign, which funds scholarships in 26 sports and supports student-athletes through financial education, career development and other opportunities.”
Notre Dame Director of Athletics Pete Bevacqua stated, “Our ‘4 for Forever’ promise at Notre Dame is paramount to providing the best student-athlete experience in the country…SoFi shares in this commitment to developing strong, ambitious leaders who are set up for success at Notre Dame and beyond. Together, our relationship will create lasting value for our student-athletes and their families for generations to come.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Ohio State announced its deal with JPMorgan Chase Bank worth around $17 million. According to Ross Dellenger, Notre Dame’s partnership is between $18-20 million, making it the richest patch deal as we sit right now.
The traditional Notre Dame fan will rightfully have their qualms with sticking a patch on such a historic jersey. However, it is a good sign that Bevacqua and the Irish do not intend to be left behind in the everchanging landscape of NIL in college sports. With this deal, Notre Dame can continue carrying competitive teams, like in football, where the price of a championship-caliber roster could exceed $20-30 million with ease. Additionally, this deal helps the University sustain its less-funded and lower-revenue Olympic sport programs for years to come.
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