ETSU Athletics Names Eastman Credit Union Jersey Patch Sponsor for Basketball and Baseball Programs

JOHNSON CITY, TN – ETSU Athletics announced that Eastman Credit Union (ECU), the Official Credit Union of ETSU Athletics, will become the jersey patch sponsor for the Buccaneers' men's and women's basketball and baseball programs beginning with the 2026-27 season. 

Facilitated by Van Wagner, ETSU Athletics' multimedia rights and corporate partnerships partner, the agreement will place the ECU logo on the uniforms of ETSU Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball and Baseball throughout the regular season. 

The patch will symbolize a broader partnership centered on student support, financial education, and service. ECU will help student-athletes build practical financial skills and prepare for life after college. 

Earlier this year, the NCAA Division I Cabinet approved a proposal allowing Division I programs to place additional commercial logos or patches on uniforms, equipment and apparel during non-NCAA championship competition, including the regular season, beginning Aug. 1, 2026. 

"We are excited and proud to support ETSU's basketball and baseball programs, but the value of this partnership extends far beyond the jersey patches," said Kelly Price, ECU's president and CEO. "As the Official Credit Union of ETSU Athletics, you'll see us at games and on campus throughout the year engaging with student-athletes, the broader student body, and fans. Our commitment runs deep, and our team is dedicated to helping students build smarter money habits, navigate finances, and realize that ECU will be here for them along life's journey. ETSU Athletics shares our commitment to improve financial literacy, and we see it as a valuable part of student success. We are excited about what we can accomplish together." 

Eastman Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative serving members in Tennessee, Virginia and Texas. ECU has deep roots in the region and a longstanding commitment to strengthening the communities it serves through financial services, education, volunteerism, and community investment. This expanded partnership reflects that service mission.  

"As part of building relationships and improving financial literacy, you'll see us supporting service projects and providing special opportunities on campus. Our mission is to empower students and help them realize that financial success is more than managing money. It's about developing personal responsibility, planning ahead, and making informed decisions. The financial knowledge they build today will help them succeed personally and professionally, while preparing them to lead and serve in their communities," said Price.

ECU's goal for this partnership will provide them with the opportunity to proactively impact student-athletes and the broader student body as they prepare for life beyond college. 

"With the dramatic changes in the college athletics landscape, every opportunity to generate incremental revenue becomes increasingly important. With the NCAA's recent ruling allowing corporate sponsorships through jersey patches, it was important for ETSU to have a major community leader involved," said ETSU Director of Athletics Dr. Richard Sander. 

"Having Eastman Credit Union step up and financially invest in our program as the jersey patch sponsor for men's and women's basketball and baseball not only provides needed resources for revenue sharing but also makes a strong statement about the importance of corporate entities partnering with ETSU Athletics. I thank Eastman Credit Union for its investment and commitment to ETSU Athletics." 

The agreement builds upon the relationship between ETSU Athletics and Eastman Credit Union. With the ECU logo appearing on both the men's and women's basketball and baseball, the partnership will provide Eastman Credit Union with visibility as the Buccaneers compete throughout the region and across the country. 

"Eastman Credit Union has been a tremendous partner to ETSU, and we are proud to expand upon our relationship. ECU is a fantastic fit for this opportunity," said Van Wagner Vice President Trey Gilreath 

ETSU Men's Basketball enters the 2026-27 season as the defending Southern Conference regular-season champion under head coach Brooks Savage. The Buccaneers will play 19 preseason and regular-season games at home this season, the program's most since the 2013-14 campaign. 

ETSU Women's Basketball, led by head coach Brenda Mock Brown, will also enter the season as the defending Southern Conference regular-season champion. The Bucs are scheduled to play 18 regular-season home games. 

The Eastman Credit Union jersey patch will make its debut on Sunday, October 25, at men's basketball charity exhibition game versus High Point inside Freedom Hall. 

About Eastman Credit Union 

Eastman Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee. Serving areas of Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and East Texas, ECU is the 25th-largest credit union in the nation, with over 360,000 members and approximately 1,100 employees. Funds are federally insured by NCUA. Member Equal Housing Lender. Equal Opportunity Employer. 

About Van Wagner 

Van Wagner is a leading sports advertising and entertainment agency, with global expertise in live events, sponsorship sales, multimedia rights and aerial advertising.Van Wagner creates, advises and sells on behalf of world-class teams, leagues, brands and properties. An innovator in the sports and media business, Van Wagner is a global leader in high-impact broadcast visible signage throughout the NCAA, MLB, NBA, and international soccer, as well as collegiate multimedia rights and in-venue content production at the world's biggest sporting events. For more information, visit www.vanwagner.com.