Photo: Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee Athletics announced Tuesday that Axle Logistics will become the first official jersey patch sponsor in school history. The Knoxville-based company will appear on both the men’s and women’s basketball uniforms beginning this season.The five-year agreement averages more than $3 million annually, according to industry sources. It marks the first time any Tennessee athletic program has sold jersey sponsorship space.
Axle Logistics is a non-asset-based third-party logistics company founded by University of Tennessee alumni. The company provides truckload, LTL, intermodal, and warehousing services across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Athletics director Danny White said the partnership was about more than just revenue.“From the onset of our journey to find the right partner in this evolving landscape, it was essential that we align with an organization that not only leads its field, but also embodies innovation, integrity, and a commitment to community. We found all of that in Axle Logistics,” White said in a school release.
Men’s basketball coach Rick Barnes also welcomed the deal.“We are pleased to partner with a group that truly understands what it means to be a Volunteer. There is no doubt this agreement will greatly benefit our basketball program.”The patches will appear on the new Adidas uniforms that were unveiled earlier this summer for both the Vols and Lady Vols.