In a significant move, the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) in the United States has permitted Division I teams to display casino logos on their game uniforms starting August 1. This decision marks a new era in college sports sponsorship.
The first agreements in this division have been made by New Mexico State University, which signed a three-year contract worth $1.05 million with Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino back in March. Additionally, Florida International University (FIU) announced on August 26 a partnership with Miccosukee Casino & Resort for the same duration.
The NCAA approved these changes earlier in January. The new rules allow for up to two commercial patches, each measuring up to 4 square inches, to be worn during regular season games. Both sponsors represent land-based casino resorts owned by Native American tribes. Notably, Inn of the Mountain Gods has operated its own sportsbook since 2019, while Miccosukee does not offer sports betting. The athletic director of FIU emphasized this as a significant advantage in the current landscape of college sports.