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Lilly Logos Hit Purdue & IU Basketball Courts
30 Oct
Summary
- Eli Lilly logos will now appear on Purdue and Indiana basketball courts.
- This multi-year sponsorship agreement aims to generate new revenue streams.
- Lilly and Purdue share a long history of collaboration in research and innovation.
Eli Lilly and Company has entered into multi-year court logo sponsorship agreements with both Purdue and Indiana Universities. These deals will feature the pharmaceutical giant's branding on Mackey Arena's Keady Court and Assembly Hall's Branch McCracken Court, as announced on October 30, 2026.
This sponsorship represents a significant new revenue stream for Purdue Athletics, following NCAA approval for such deals in August 2026. The financial terms are undisclosed due to the involvement of Learfield-run Purdue Sports Properties. The agreement underscores the urgent need for athletic programs to find additional funding, especially with new direct athlete payments beginning in the 2025-26 academic year.
Purdue athletic director Tommy McClelland emphasized the shared commitment to innovation and excellence between the two Indiana institutions. Lilly chair and CEO David A. Ricks, a Purdue alumnus, highlighted the company's existing deep ties with the university, including research, scholarships, and the significant Lilly-Purdue 260 Initiative.
Lilly's senior vice president Lina Polimeni expressed pride in partnering with two storied college basketball programs, aligning with the company's focus on health and exercise. Purdue continues to explore other lucrative sponsorship opportunities, such as jersey patch deals, to further bolster its athletic department's financial standing.
