In a further attempt to increase revenue for college athletics, the Division I Cabinet voted to approve a measure to do just that.
College sports underwent a massive facelift following the landmark House v. NCAA Settlement in 2025, which allowed schools to start paying athletes directly.
The decision created a $20.5 million revenue-sharing pool for schools to use at their discretion, and paved the way for more stringent rules on name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals.
In response, the University of Iowa hired Scott Pioli to oversee all revenue-sharing programs and established the "Flight Funds" collective to create a charitable avenue for outside donors to donate money directly to Hawkeye athletes.
Recently, the NCAA attempted to create an even bigger revenue stream for college athletics with a new measure.
The NCAA Div. I Cabinet voted to approve jersey sponsorship patches
NEW: The NCAA has officially approved commercial jersey patches in college sports, effective August 1.https://t.co/qxQvZi4CP7 pic.twitter.com/o960YxbECZ
— On3 (@On3) January 23, 2026
The NCAA voted to officially allow sponsorship patches on college uniforms, equipment, and apparel for next season.
The change is slated to go into effect on August 1, right before the start of the 2026 college football season.
The change allows schools to place an additional two sponsorship logos on uniforms and one additional logo on equipment during the pre and postseason.
Programs can also add an additional sponsorship logo on uniforms and apparel during conference championships.
Most schools were already prepared for the changes as they were initially discussed during the Fall of 2025 during meetings in Chicago.
According to Josh Whitman, the University of Illinois Athletic Director and Division I Cabinet Chair, college athletics is entering into an exciting new era, and the decision reflects the NCAA's "ongoing commitment" to drive additional revenues for college athletics. and programs.
It remains to be seen if the University of Iowa will take advantage of the new initiative, but it could provide the Hawkeyes with more opportunities to capitalize on an extended revenue stream in college athletics.