Key facts
- Ripple has partnered with the University of Kansas for the first crypto sponsorship of a major college athletics program.
- The multi-year deal will feature the XRP logo on all Kansas Jayhawks athletic team jerseys.
- XRP is now the official cryptocurrency of Kansas Athletics.
- Ripple will fund educational programs on traditional finance and digital assets for student-athletes.
- Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse is an alumnus of the University of Kansas.
Ripple has established a landmark sponsorship deal with the University of Kansas, marking the first cryptocurrency company to sponsor a major NCAA Division 1 college athletics program. The agreement will prominently feature the XRP logo on the jerseys of the Kansas Jayhawks' football and basketball teams, as well as all other KU uniforms. Beyond the jersey patch, Ripple will also invest in financial and technology education programs aimed at student athletes and the broader campus community. Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse, an alumnus of the University of Kansas, described the partnership as a "rare moment" where his professional and personal interests align. The university also operates an XRP Ledger validator, supported by a grant from Ripple's University Blockchain Research Initiative. Despite the sponsorship news, XRP's price has faced pressure, trading around $1.07 amid broader market concerns.