IU Athletics has announced a jersey patch deal with Merchants Bank.
It’s the second major deal IU has signed with Merchants after the organization also acquired field naming rights at Memorial Stadium a year ago.
A Merchants Bank patch will appear on the jerseys of all 24 IU varsity teams, along with the apparel of the coaches.
Deal terms were not released.
Here’s the full release from IU Athletics on this latest deal with Merchants:
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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (Oct. 15, 2026) – Indiana Athletics and Learfield today announced an expansion of its comprehensive partnership with Merchants Bank, naming the Indiana-based financial institution the official jersey patch partner of all 24 varsity sports programs. The five-year agreement further strengthens a relationship that currently includes field naming rights with on-field branding at Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium. The Merchants Bank jersey patch will debut on October 17 when Indiana Football hosts Ohio State in Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium’s first-ever match-up pitting two top-five ranked teams.
Under the agreement, Merchants Bank branding will appear on uniforms across Indiana Athletics’ 24 varsity sports programs, as well as on coaches’ apparel, including that worn by football head coach Curt Cignetti, men’s basketball head coach Darian DeVries, women’s basketball head coach Teri Moren, and other Indiana coaches. The partnership also includes expanded exposure through in-venue assets, digital platforms, and social media channels across the athletics department.
“Merchants Bank has already established an incredible legacy with us, anchored by their proud presence at Memorial Stadium,” said IU Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Scott Dolson. “Expanding this partnership to make them our official jersey patch partner across all 24 of our varsity programs is a groundbreaking milestone. This agreement not only highlights our shared commitment to excellence and innovation, but it also reflects the profound impact of partnering with an Indiana-based industry leader as we continue competing at the absolute highest level.”
The announcement comes during a period of unprecedented success and national visibility for Indiana Athletics. As the reigning national champion in football with annual prominence in basketball and Olympic sports, Indiana remains one of the most recognizable brands in college athletics.
“As an Indiana University graduate, this partnership is especially meaningful to me and to all of us at Merchants Bank,” said Michael Petrie, Chairman of Merchants Bank. “Indiana Athletics represents pride, tradition, and excellence across college sports. We are honored to deepen our relationship with the Hoosiers and support student-athletes, coaches and fans through a partnership that celebrates our shared commitment to the state we all call home.”
This comprehensive agreement is among the most extensive in collegiate athletics, providing Merchants Bank visibility across every varsity program while creating a consistent brand presence throughout the Hoosier athletics experience. Additionally, Merchants Bank will continue to provide IU student-athletes with comprehensive financial education training programs and support.
“Merchants Bank and Indiana Athletics are a perfect fit,” said Chris Sanders, SVP of Learfield Sports Properties. “Both organizations are deeply connected to Indiana, value community impact, and are dedicated to achieving excellence. Expanding this partnership to include jersey patches creates year-round visibility for Merchants Bank while aligning them with one of the most respected and successful athletics departments in the country.”
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