SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Tyson Foods recently announced that the company would be expanding its partnership with the University of Arkansas Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, introducing one of the first ever jersey patch sponsorships and creating one of the most visible brand integrations in college sports.
Beginning with the 2026-27 athletic season, the Tyson Foods logo will appear on the jerseys of all 19 men’s and women’s varsity Razorback teams, the company said in a statement. This new multi-year agreement will also make Tyson Foods the “Official Protein of the Arkansas Razorbacks,” giving students and athletes the protein they need for optimal performance.
“Tyson Foods has been proud to support the Arkansas Razorbacks for generations—investing in champions today and leaders for tomorrow in the state we’ve called home for more than 90 years,” John Tyson, Tyson Foods’ chairman of the board, said. “Together, we support young people to compete and succeed—on the field, in the classroom, and beyond.”
This is among the most comprehensive partnerships in college sports history as Tyson Foods will be integrated across all of Razorback Athletics in various ways. In addition to being named the official protein for the school and the logo appearing on all the jerseys, Tyson’s brand assets will include:
- Logo placement on fields and courts across sports venues.
- Media backdrops at press conferences and broadcast facilities.
- Brand Ambassador programs engaging Arkansas student-athletes.
“This historic sponsorship is transformative for Razorback Athletics. For decades, Tyson Foods has been more than a corporate partner — they are an integral part of the Arkansas story,” Hunter Yurachek, University of Arkansas vice chancellor and director of athletics, said. “Having Tyson Foods incorporated across our varsity teams and venues sends a powerful message about the caliber of our programs and the type of talent we can bring to the university. We are grateful for our continued partnership and thrilled to showcase this collaboration to the nation every time our teams compete.”
“This partnership strengthens our ability to connect with the next generation of consumers through sports, community, and protein that fuels performance,” Donnie King, Tyson Foods president and CEO, added. “It reflects how we are positioned to meet growing protein demand through a portfolio that tastes great, is nutritious, convenient and affordable.”
This partnership was facilitated in collaboration with Learfield’s Razorback Sports Properties, the multimedia rightsholder for Arkansas Athletics, and Tyson Foods was advised by CSL in securing the partnership, the company noted.
