In a groundbreaking move for college athletics, Georgia Tech has officially announced a multi-year partnership with Veritiv, making the Atlanta-based company the first-ever jersey patch sponsor for Georgia Tech football. This partnership also designates Veritiv as the official sustainability partner for Georgia Tech Athletics, reflecting a commitment to both innovation and environmental responsibility.
The agreement not only allows Veritiv to feature its logo on the football jerseys but also opens avenues for collaboration with Georgia Tech student-athletes in name, image, and likeness (NIL) activities. This aspect of the partnership highlights the evolving landscape of college sports, where athletes are increasingly able to monetize their personal brands.
Ryan Alpert, Georgia Tech's Vice President and Director of Athletics, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Georgia Tech athletics is proud to welcome Veritiv as our first-ever football jersey patch sponsor and the Official Sustainability Partner of Tech Athletics.” This sentiment underscores the importance of aligning with organizations that share a vision for sustainability and community engagement.
The partnership is built around three key sustainability goals: reducing waste and advancing circularity, enhancing sustainable procurement practices, and leveraging data and innovation to improve resource efficiency. These objectives are particularly relevant in today's sports environment, where organizations are increasingly held accountable for their environmental impact.
Georgia Tech noted that the Veritiv patch will be among the first to appear in college football history, following the NCAA Division I Cabinet's approval for sponsorship logos on game jerseys, which took effect on August 1. This development marks a new era in college sports, where branding opportunities are expanding beyond traditional avenues.
Veritiv CEO Sal Abbate commented on the partnership, saying, “We’re proud to team up with Georgia Tech. This partnership provides a real-world platform to demonstrate how our integrated portfolio from sustainable packaging and concessions to facility solutions and operational support can deliver impact across an organization.” Abbate's remarks highlight the potential for corporate partnerships to drive meaningful change in sports.
The debut of the Veritiv jersey patches is scheduled for the opening game of the 2026 season, where Georgia Tech will face off against Colorado. The matchup is set for Thursday at 8 p.m. at Bobby Dodd Stadium at Hyundai Field, with ESPN broadcasting the game nationally. This game will not only showcase the Yellow Jackets on the field but also serve as a platform for the new partnership.
Looking ahead, Georgia Tech has indicated that it plans to announce additional jersey patch partnerships for other sports in the coming months, signaling a broader trend in collegiate athletics towards innovative sponsorships that align with institutional values and goals.
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