UNLV just planted its flag at the front of college athletics’ next revenue era.

In a move that could soon reshape the business side of the NCAA, UNLV Athletics and Learfield announced a five-season partnership Monday naming Acesso Biologics as UNLV’s Official Jersey Patch Partner across four programs: football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball.

If the NCAA formally approves corporate jersey patches, as expected to be voted on in January 2026, UNLV will become the first athletic department in the country with a multi-sport corporate jersey patch agreement already in place.

And that’s not an accident.

This deal positions UNLV ahead of the curve as the NCAA inches toward expanded revenue generation for athletic departments. The proposed jersey patch rule would take effect August 1, 2026, but UNLV didn’t wait. Instead, the Rebels aligned early with a Las Vegas-based partner whose branding will appear on uniforms home and away, paired with on-field exposure at Allegiant Stadium.

“This is about vision,” said UNLV Director of Athletics Erick Harper. “As the NCAA and Mountain West Conference move closer to allowing new avenues for revenue generation, Acesso stepped up in a big way.”

For an athletic department that has emphasized momentum, market relevance, and innovation, the move fits squarely into UNLV’s broader strategy, one that treats Las Vegas not just as a location, but as a selling point.

Acesso Biologics served as UNLV Football’s on-field logo partner during the 2025 season, laying the groundwork for a larger relationship. That initial partnership now expands into a full department-wide commitment, putting the Acesso logo on the jerseys of:

In addition, Acesso will sponsor the South Field Goal Net at Allegiant Stadium, adding another high-visibility touchpoint during home games.

Learfield Sports Properties President Kim Damron called the agreement “transformative,” describing it as the blueprint for what future jersey patch sponsorships in college sports may look like.

What sets the deal apart isn’t just branding, it’s structure.

Acesso launched the “Sacks for Shoes” initiative during the 2025 football season, pledging a donation to Goodie Two Shoes for every sack recorded by UNLV. It’s a tangible example of performance translating directly into community impact, reinforcing a through-line UNLV has leaned into throughout its recent resurgence.

“Our partnership is built on more than logos,” said Acesso CEO Michael Aquino. “UNLV prepares student-athletes for success beyond sports, and we’re proud to support opportunities that extend into the community.”

That emphasis matters as NIL, sponsorships, and institutional partnerships increasingly intersect, and as fans pay closer attention to how programs monetize their platforms.

This isn’t just a sponsorship. It’s leverage.

By moving early, UNLV:

For a department that’s already capitalized on Allegiant Stadium, growing national exposure, and sustained on-field success, this is another signal that UNLV isn’t waiting for permission to act.

The Rebels aren’t reacting to change. They’re helping define it.