- Ripple’s five-year deal makes XRP the first cryptocurrency to appear on jerseys of a major NCAA Division I athletics program.
- The XRP logo will appear on Kansas Jayhawks football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and other athletic uniforms.
- The partnership also includes financial literacy programs, technology education, and career opportunities for University of Kansas students.
Ripple has signed a five-year partnership with the University of Kansas, placing the XRP logo on Jayhawks athletic uniforms. Kansas Athletics announced the agreement after the NCAA allowed corporate logos on Division I uniforms beginning in August 2026. According to the university and Ripple, the deal makes XRP the first cryptocurrency to appear on the jerseys of a major NCAA Division I athletics program while expanding an existing relationship between both organizations.
XRP Heads to Kansas Athletics Uniforms
Kansas Athletics said the XRP patch will appear on football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and other Jayhawks uniforms. The agreement was arranged through Learfield and Jayhawk Sports Properties, which manages the university’s sponsorship portfolio.
Athletic Director Travis Goff said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation. He added that the agreement connects Kansas Athletics with the broader technology sector through Ripple.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse also highlighted the announcement on X. Garlinghouse, a University of Kansas economics graduate born in Topeka, described the partnership as a rare moment where his professional career and alma mater came together.
Football coach Lance Leipold, men’s basketball coach Bill Self, and women’s basketball coach Brandon Schneider also welcomed the collaboration, citing the university’s focus on innovation.
Partnership Extends Beyond Branding
Kansas Athletics said the agreement includes financial literacy and technology education programs for student-athletes and the wider university community. Ripple also plans to expand career opportunities by connecting Kansas graduates with technology industry employers.
The partnership builds on existing ties between both organizations. The University of Kansas already operates an official XRP Ledger validator through its engineering school, making it an active participant in the XRP ecosystem.
NCAA Rule Opens New Sponsorship Category
The NCAA approved corporate logos on Division I uniforms in January 2026, allowing schools to begin displaying them from August. Kansas became one of the first universities to announce a jersey sponsorship under the new policy.
According to the information released, Ripple’s agreement marks the first cryptocurrency jersey partnership involving a major NCAA Division I athletics program. Following the announcement, XRP declined 1.55%, while futures open interest increased modestly, indicating higher trading activity despite the price movement.
