University of Illinois Athletics announced an expanded partnership with Busey Bank on Monday, making the Champaign-based financial institution the Official Financial Services Partner of the Fighting Illini and the department’s first-ever jersey patch sponsor.
The agreement comes after the NCAA approved corporate jersey patch sponsorships earlier this year and marks one of the most significant commercial partnerships in Illinois Athletics history.
As part of the expanded partnership, the Busey Bank logo will appear on the uniforms of Illinois football, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer, and men’s and women’s golf beginning this fall. The company’s branding will also be featured on sideline apparel worn by Illinois coaches, including football coach Bret Bielema, men’s basketball coach Brad Underwood and women’s basketball coach Shauna Green.
Illinois Athletic Director Josh Whitman said the department wanted a partner that reflected the university’s values for the historic opportunity.
“With the introduction of increased corporate visibility on uniforms and coaching apparel, it was important for us to identify the right partner for such a high-profile, first-of-its-kind opportunity,” Whitman said. “For nearly 160 years, the University of Illinois and Busey Bank have shared a history that has helped shape this great community.”
Founded in 1868, Busey Bank traces its roots to Champaign-Urbana, just months after the University of Illinois was established in 1867. The bank has grown into a regional financial institution with more than $18 billion in assets while maintaining a strong presence in central Illinois.
The partnership also makes Busey Bank a charter member of Illinois Athletics’ new Pillar Partnership Program. In addition to the jersey patch sponsorship, Busey will continue serving as title sponsor of the Fighting Illini radio network and will maintain support for several fan and community initiatives, including FamILLy Movie Night at Gies Memorial Stadium, Field Trip Day at Illini Women’s Basketball, Illinois Baseball Day with Busey Bank and the Busey Bank Kid Captain of the Game program.
Busey Bank Chairman and CEO Van Dukeman called the agreement an investment in the future of both the university and the surrounding community.
“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,” Dukeman said.
The partnership was negotiated in collaboration with Learfield’s Fighting Illini Sports Properties, which manages Illinois Athletics’ multimedia rights and corporate sponsorships.
Illinois coaches also praised the agreement, with Bielema saying the investment will help provide an elite experience for student-athletes while supporting the continued growth of the football program. Underwood called the announcement a “milestone day” for Fighting Illini Athletics, while Green said Busey has been a strong supporter of the women’s basketball program and is a natural fit because of its commitment to building relationships within the community.
The expanded agreement further strengthens a relationship between two organizations that have shared roots in Champaign-Urbana for more than 150 years and positions Busey Bank as one of Illinois Athletics’ most visible corporate partners moving forward.
Photo Courtesy of Illinois Athletics
Comments