Notre Dame Athletics has landed the richest jersey sponsorship deal in college sports history, partnering with fintech company SoFi in a six-year agreement averaging $18-20 million annually.
Announced Tuesday, the partnership makes SoFi the official financial services partner of Notre Dame Athletics and the first non-apparel brand to appear as a jersey patch on all Fighting Irish uniforms across the department’s 26 varsity sports. The SoFi logo will feature on both game and practice uniforms starting this fall.
The deal surpasses Ohio State’s $15-17 million annual pact with JPMorganChase, which was announced earlier the same day. Industry sources confirmed the Notre Dame figures, first reported by Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger and later verified by On3’s Pete Nakos.
“Our ‘4 for Forever’ promise at Notre Dame is paramount to providing the best student-athlete experience in the country,” said Pete Bevacqua, University of Notre Dame Vice President and James E. Rohr Director of Athletics. “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.”
Beyond the patches, the partnership establishes an annual fund—reported at $1.4 million—to support Notre Dame’s “4 for Forever” initiative. The money will fund scholarships, financial education, career development tools, and exclusive opportunities for student-athletes.
A centerpiece of the deal is the new SoFi Champions Scholarship, a program dedicated to walk-on athletes. Each year, one men’s and one women’s walk-on who exemplify ambition, resilience, leadership, and service will receive a one-year full-tuition scholarship.
SoFi will also create a student-athlete services hub offering financial education, planning tools, personalized guidance, and products. Fans and SoFi members will gain access to exclusive experiences, including ticket giveaways, tailgates, and private events around Fighting Irish games.
The agreement arrives as athletic departments face rising costs tied to NIL compensation, facilities upgrades, and the broader professionalization of college sports. Jersey patches became widely available after the NCAA approved up to two additional logos (beyond manufacturer marks) of no more than four square inches on uniforms for regular-season games beginning Aug. 1.
Notre Dame joins a growing list of programs adding corporate patches, including Ohio State, LSU, Wisconsin, and others. While the Irish have long protected the traditional look of their uniforms and kept Notre Dame Stadium free of in-stadium advertising, the department framed the SoFi deal as a way to generate new revenue without compromising core values.
Fan reaction has been mixed. Some celebrated the financial boost and support for walk-ons and financial literacy. Others expressed concern that corporate logos on the iconic Notre Dame jerseys represent a step away from tradition in one of college football’s most tradition-rich programs.
Regardless of the debate, the numbers speak clearly: Notre Dame’s brand power remains among the strongest in college athletics, allowing the independent program to command a record deal in a rapidly evolving marketplace. The SoFi patch will make its debut when the Fighting Irish take the field this fall.
