The partnership, announced by LSU Athletics as a landmark move, builds on an agreement signed in July 2025, with Woodside Energy already featuring patches on LSU football practice jerseys and even the mascot. Woodside will be showcased across LSU’s 21 sports as part of its official Legacy Partner designation.
LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry framed the deal as a significant step for student-athletes and the department, highlighting the program’s leadership in this new era of collegiate athletics and the collaboration’s broader community impact. Woodside Energy executives emphasized a long-term commitment to Louisiana, citing ongoing offshore operations and a $17.5 billion LNG project expansion.
Industry observers note that jersey patches can generate substantial revenue, with estimates from Learfield and Wasserman placing potential earnings from $500,000 to $12 million per school, depending on brand and market exposure. While LSU has moved forward, not all programs share the enthusiasm for on-jersey branding, with some programs like Texas expressing resistance to similar changes.
Beyond LSU, other programs are advancing discussions or already partnering with brands for jersey patches. UNLV has implemented a patch deal, and Ohio State is in talks, while Georgia has indicated openness to the revenue model. Texas remains a notable outlier, citing concerns about altering a storied uniform tradition.
Overall, LSU’s move signals a broader shift in college athletics toward brand partnerships and monetization, aligning collegiate programs with professional-level marketing while attracting both praise for innovation and scrutiny over commercialization.
