The University of Oregon's athletics department, including the renowned Ducks football program, is set to embark on a significant partnership with the financial services firm Edward Jones. This collaboration will officially commence during the Ducks' season opener against Boise State on September 5 at Autzen Stadium.
As part of this four-year agreement, fans can expect to see the Edward Jones logo prominently displayed on the 25-yard lines of the football field, as well as on field-level LED signage and the stadium's videoboard throughout the games. This sponsorship will not only enhance the visibility of Edward Jones during football games but will also extend to various other sports, including men's and women's basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, and track and field events at the University of Oregon.
Rob Mullens, the Director of Athletics at Oregon, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting Edward Jones as a leading organization that prioritizes education. He stated, "Edward Jones is a first-class organization and an industry leader, and this is a truly integrated partnership with a company that understands the importance of education and has made a significant investment in Oregon Athletics and Duck student-athletes." Mullens emphasized that a key focus of the partnership will be robust financial literacy programming, which is expected to benefit both UO student-athletes and the broader athletic programs over the coming years.
To celebrate this new alliance, rally towels will be distributed to fans attending the Boise State game. Additionally, the partnership includes the creation of the "Autzen Suite Level, Presented by Edward Jones," which aims to provide year-round brand visibility. This will be complemented by ongoing exposure during Oregon football and basketball broadcasts, as well as through digital advertising and social media channels. A branded social media video series is also planned to engage fans throughout the year.
Edward Jones is dedicated to assisting student-athletes in navigating the complexities of college athletics through education, resources, and community investment. This commitment underscores the firm’s intention to foster a supportive environment for Oregon's student-athletes.
Financially, Edward Jones will pay Learfield Sports, the multimedia rights holder for Oregon, a total of nearly $34 million over the duration of the four-year agreement. If all parties agree to an extension, the contract could extend for an additional year, bringing the total value of the agreement to just over $43 million. However, the specific share allocated to Oregon has not been disclosed.
This partnership marks a significant step for Oregon Athletics, as it seeks to enhance its financial literacy initiatives and provide valuable resources to its student-athletes, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of both sports and life beyond college.
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