LAWRENCE, Kan. – Kansas Athletics today announced a groundbreaking, multi-year partnership with Ripple, the leading provider of blockchain-based enterprise solutions across traditional and digital finance.
Through the agreement, in collaboration with Learfield, an XRP jersey patch will be featured on all Kansas Athletics team uniforms, marking the first time a cryptocurrency will be integrated into the jersey of a major college athletics program. XRP is a cryptocurrency that’s fast, credible and trusted. It was developed to move money around the world in seconds, at a fraction of the cost of traditional banking.
“This era of college athletics demands innovative, forward-thinking partnerships,” said Travis Goff, Director of Athletics at the University of Kansas. “Ripple recognizes the unique reach and passion of the Jayhawk community, and we’re proud they have chosen Kansas Athletics as a premier platform to introduce XRP to millions of sports fans. Having the XRP logo displayed on our Jayhawk uniforms reflects a shared commitment to innovation and excellence.”
Beyond branding across Kansas Athletics venues, digital properties, and event signage, the agreement establishes two long-term commitments to the university. Ripple will fund financial and technology education programs for KU student-athletes and the campus community, covering both traditional finance and digital assets, and will expand its existing talent pipeline connecting Kansas graduates to careers across the technology industry.
The partnership was created in collaboration with Jayhawk Sports Properties, the locally based team of Learfield, the media and technology company powering college sports. Jayhawk Sports Properties is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for Kansas Athletics and handles all sponsorships, in-venue signage, jersey patches, and advertising rights on behalf of the Jayhawks.
“Under Travis’s leadership, KU has not only elevated the entire athletics department, but the Jayhawks have reimagined what is possible in today’s rapidly changing environment,” said Cole Gahagan, President and CEO of Learfield. “This partnership with Ripple highlights the extraordinary collaboration between Learfield and Kansas Athletics, integrating XRP branding into unforgettable moments and incredible experiences for Jayhawks fans.”
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What Others are Saying
“Our football program is excited to proudly display the XRP logo on our jerseys. We’re thankful to have such a strong relationship with Ripple through the leadership of CEO and proud Jayhawk, Brad Garlinghouse. We think this is a great partnership between two strong brands with bright futures.” – Kansas Football coach Lance Leipold.
“This is an important day for all of Kansas Athletics, and we are certainly happy to be a part of that. It’s a critical time in college athletics to be bold, and that’s what is being accomplished with today’s announcement. We will make sure our guys understand the significance of the partnership and why it is beneficial for them moving forward.” – Kansas Men’s Basketball Coach Bill Self.
“We are excited to have our team represent XRP while they are competing as Jayhawks. This is a great time for student-athletes to be at Kansas, and today’s announcement is another indication of that. Our department is always looking for ways to innovate and be different and that is exciting to be part of. We are thankful for the partnership with XRP and look forward to much success moving forward.” – Kansas Women’s Basketball Coach Brandon Schneider.
About Kansas Athletics
Kansas Athletics is a not-for-profit corporation which was organized in 1925 to foster development of intercollegiate athletics in conjunction with the educational activities of the University of Kansas. Kansas Athletics operates the varsity intercollegiate athletic programs (16 men’s and women’s intercollegiate teams) of the University of Kansas. A major comprehensive research and teaching university with an enrollment of approximately 27,000, the University provides outstanding excellence in education and research. Kansas Athletics is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
About XRP
XRP is a leading cryptocurrency built for utility in modern finance. Designed for fast, low-cost money movement, it settles transactions in 3–5 seconds at a fraction of a cent, making it one of the most efficient assets for moving money globally. XRP operates on the XRP Ledger (XRPL), an open-source, decentralized blockchain and is used across financial use cases across payments, trading, collateral, and as a bridge currency between different currencies and markets.
Since its launch in 2012, XRP has grown into one of the top five largest cryptocurrencies held and used by individuals, institutions, developers, and businesses around the world.
About Ripple
Founded in 2012, Ripple is the leading provider of blockchain-based enterprise solutions across traditional and digital finance. Ripple solutions span global payments, custody, liquidity, and treasury management, serving as a one-stop shop for moving, storing, exchanging, and managing value. Ripple’s stablecoin, RLUSD, and the cryptocurrency XRP underpinning these solutions allow Ripple and its customers to shape the modern financial system.
About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
Media Contacts
Kansas Athletics
Daniel Berk
[email protected]
Ripple
Megan Katz
[email protected]
Learfield
Craig Ricks
[email protected]
Source: Original Article
