WVU Athletics and Learfield’s Mountaineer Sports Properties have partnered with Antero Resources for a five-year jersey patch deal, according to a press release from the athletic department Tuesday. Antero’s logo will be featured on the jerseys of all 18 varsity programs in the department. Read more: WVU Athletics, Antero Resources seal deal on jersey patch.
Antero is the largest natural gas company in the state of West Virginia, and is now the first jersey sponsor in WVU’s history. This five-year deal is set to generate $10,000,000 annually for WVU Athletics, per sources.
What to expect
Fans can expect to see these jersey patches featured in action as early as August 13, when WVU Women’s Soccer opens the 2026-27 athletic calendar at home against Dayton.
Related: August 2026 WVU Athletics Preview: Soccer, Golf, and Volleyball begin
Antero will get plenty of exposure, with more than 500 student-athletes donning uniforms on any given game day. The colors of the patch will fall in line with whichever jersey it is sewn on, making it visible but aesthetically pleasing.
Unlike the Big 12 and Monster sponsorship, the jersey patches are year-round. For reference, the Monster deal only applies to WVU’s basketball teams, along with football. Plus, it only kicks in for conference games. The Antero Resources patch will be everywhere, all the time.
There will also be collaborations on social media moving forward,
Partners’ responses
WVU Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker said this partnership is a big step for both the Mountaineers and the state of West Virginia as a whole.
“As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, WVU plays a vital and dynamic role in the overall economic success, growth and well-being of the state,” Baker said. “Antero has been a partner of ours that cares, as it supplies energy on a daily basis to improve health, safety and the livelihood of millions. The Mountaineers look forward to being a part of this special bond with Antero.”
Antero Resources and Antero Midstream President and CEO said it is an exciting move for the company as well.
“We are excited to be sewn into the fabric of Mountaineer Athletics,” Kennedy said. “It is a demonstration that West Virginia is an energy state and a demonstration of Antero’s commitment to West Virginia. We know it will be a point of pride for all of the Antero family – our employees, our contractors, our mineral owners – when they see Antero on these jerseys.”
Andrew Wheeler, Executive Vice President of Learfield, echoed Baker and Kennedy with general excitement for the partnership.
What’s next
Again, fans will begin seeing these patches when soccer season kicks off in less than two weeks. This is WVU Athletics’ next step in staying afloat in the modern landscape of collegiate sports.
Click here for the full press release regarding the partnership.
Related: Tough roster conversations incoming thanks to latest NCAA ruling
Stay up to date with WV Sports Nation for more WVU Athletics coverage.
