CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – The University of Illinois Athletics is set to break new ground by introducing a jersey patch initiative for the first time, beginning with the 2026-27 sports season.
In an exclusive collaboration, Illinois has teamed up with Busey Bank, which will see its brand featured prominently as the sole jersey patch sponsor across a range of sports, including Illinois football, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer, as well as men’s and women’s golf.
“The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) is delighted to announce the strengthening of its enduring alliance with Busey Bank,” Illinois Athletics declared in a recent online statement. “This partnership is deeply rooted in over 150 years of shared heritage, community engagement, and a steadfast commitment to excellence.”
Moreover, the Busey Bank logo will grace the sideline attire of Illinois coaches, including noted figures such as Bret Bielema, Shauna Green, and Brad Underwood, further highlighting its presence within the university’s athletic domain.
“As we usher in enhanced corporate presence on uniforms and coaching gear, it was crucial to select a partner that resonates closely with our student-athletes, staff, and the Fighting Illini brand,” stated Illinois Athletic Director Josh Whitman in a formal release. “For nearly 160 years, the University of Illinois and Busey Bank have been intertwined in a shared narrative that has helped shape the local community. Both institutions are witnessing significant growth in stature, reputation, and success. We are thrilled to accelerate our respective missions through this landmark partnership,” he added enthusiastically.
“This is more than a sponsorship—it’s an investment in the future of Illinois Athletics and in the students and alumni who carry the University’s impact beyond campus,” Van Dukeman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First Busey Corporation said in a statement from Illinois Athletics. “Rooted in Champaign-Urbana, Busey and the University of Illinois were founded just three months apart, and we’re proud to continue that shared legacy through a partnership grounded in excellence and community. Together, we’re creating opportunities that will benefit student-athletes, students, alumni, fans and the communities we serve for generations to come.”
In January of 2026, the NCAA approved jersey patches for college sports starting in the fall of 2026.
Illinois is not the first Big Ten school to announce plans to add a company’s logo to its uniforms. Wisconsin announced a partnership with Culvers in late June.
In addition to the jersey patch sponsorship, Busey Bank will maintain its title sponsorship of the Illinois Athletics Fighting Illini radio network and continue supporting several Illini-centered events including Busey Bank FamILLy Movie Night at Gies Memorial Stadium, which is scheduled to show Air Bud on Aug. 8.
“This is a milestone day for our program, and for Fighting Illini Athletics, partnering with Busey Bank as we enter the newest chapter in the rapidly changing college sports environment,” Illiniois head men’s basketball coach Brad Underwood said in a statement from Illinois Athletics. “Busey is a forward-thinking organization and like-minded partner. There is great alignment between these community-based institutions, and we are excited to strengthen our relationship for years to come.”
The news of the slight change to Illini uniforms is far from the only recent notable Illini Athletics development.
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