Oklahoma State University Athletics
Oklahoma State Athletics, Osage Nation come together for jersey patch sponsorship
June 23, 2026 | General
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STILLWATER – Oklahoma State Athletics and the Osage Nation are partnering in a landmark collaboration that celebrates a shared commitment to education, land, and the future of Oklahoma. As part of the partnership, uniforms for all Oklahoma State University athletic teams will feature an Osage jersey patch beginning with the 2026-27 competition season.
The relationship builds on years of collaboration between the Osage Nation and Oklahoma State University. Located just minutes from the OSU-Tulsa campus, Osage Casino Hotel Tulsa has become a visible part of the university community through its support for the Osage Casino Hotel Student Union in North Hall, which opened in 2020 and has since become a popular gathering place for students to study, dine, and connect. Since then, partnerships between the two institutions have continued to expand across multiple areas of mutual interest.
"Oklahoma State Athletics is building momentum in this new era of sport. Osage is proud to be able to support the student athletes and programs across the athletic department. We've built a strong connection with the university through other projects, and this brings the relationship to a broader stage. It's about visibility, opportunity and continuing to invest in the future of our people and our communities." Kimberly Pearson, Chief Executive Officer of Osage Casinos and Hotels.
OSU Athletic Director Chad Weiberg said Cowboy and Cowgirl student-athletes will proudly represent both Oklahoma State University and the Osage Nation in competitions all over the country.
"Oklahoma State Athletics is grateful for the people and the innovative leadership of the Osage Nation for making this historic partnership a reality," Weiberg said. "There is a deep connection of shared values between Oklahoma State and the Osage Nation, and this partnership is the latest confirmation of that relationship."
For Osage Nation Principal Chief-Elect Joe Tillman, the partnership represents both a personal and professional milestone. Tillman attended Oklahoma State University on a football scholarship and played for the Cowboys from 1978 to 1981. He said the collaboration reflects the strong ties between two institutions dedicated to responsible stewardship of land and investing in future generations.
"Through collaboration and innovation, both Oklahoma State University and the Osage Nation share a commitment to strengthening agricultural productivity, promoting responsible stewardship of land, and creating sustainable economic opportunities for future generations," said Chief-Elect Tillman. "The Osage Nation and Oklahoma State have already built strong partnerships through our Department of Natural Resources, Education Department, and Osage LLC. We are excited to expand those relationships through this next chapter of collaboration while creating new opportunities for Native representation, visibility, and engagement."
As Oklahoma's land-grant university, Oklahoma State has long served farmers, ranchers, rural communities, and working families through education, research, and outreach. Likewise, the Osage Nation Reservation - the largest reservation in Oklahoma - encompasses a diverse agricultural landscape that includes cattle ranching, hay production, farming, and extensive land management operations. Together, the two institutions share a deep investment in the prosperity of rural Oklahoma and the responsible stewardship of the land.
The agreement, which was facilitated in partnership with Learfield's Cowboy Sports Properties, also marks a historic first for Oklahoma State Athletics, as the Osage patch becomes the first sponsor mark ever displayed on varsity athletic uniforms in the university's history.
"Bringing together Oklahoma State and the Osage Nation creates an opportunity to tell a uniquely Oklahoma story on one of the most visible stages in college athletics," said Andrew Wheeler, Learfield's Executive Vice President, Sports Properties. "It's a win for the entire Oklahoma State community and we're proud to have helped make that vision a reality."
Weiberg said this partnership with the Osage Nation reflects how OSU Athletics is evolving in the new landscape of college athletics.
"It is an early confirmation of what is possible with our department's new organizational restructure to generate new revenue growth and commercial activity," he said. "I'm grateful to our team leads in Brakston Brock, Andrew Hamor, Jesse Martin and Steve Keasler for their work with the Osage leadership and Cowboy Sports Properties."
For updates on Oklahoma State Athletics, visit okstate.com or follow @OSUAthletics on X. For more on the Osage Nation, visit osagenation-nsn.gov.
