Chase becomes first OSU jersey sponsor in lucrative deal

State of play: The university announced a partnership Tuesday that will put the financial institution's logo on 36 men's and women's varsity sports uniforms.

• The deal will provide resources to support "NIL opportunities" and "academic partnerships across the university," per a news release.
• Plus: The release says the partnership will include financial literacy programs and advisory support for athletes.

Follow the money: The deal is worth about $17 million annually, ESPN and The Athletic report.

• That figure dwarfs the five-year, $30 million sponsorship Illinois announced Monday, per Sports Business Journal.

What they're saying: Athletic director Ross Bjork called the deal a "historic partnership that reflects the strong commercial strength" of OSU athletics.

• "This relationship creates meaningful opportunities for our student-athletes that support the sustained excellence and competitiveness of our athletic programs, while honoring the tradition and values of Ohio State."

State of play: Fans on social media aren't thrilled to see another brand on Buckeye jerseys for the first time.

• Many, however, recognize it is an inevitable step in the money-fueled landscape of college sports.