GAINESVILLE — Steve Spurrier-Florida Field will prominently feature the cryptocurrency XRP beginning Saturday night against Florida Atlantic after UF’s athletic department signed a multi-deal with Ripple to display the logo on the Gators’ playing surface.
Ripple is a leading provider of blockchain solutions across traditional and digital finance.
As part of the agreement, the XRP logo appear on each 25-yard line when Jon Sumrall’s Gators open the 2026 season against FAU.
The deal will be worth $5 million annually, among the largest in college sports, according to a source.
“Florida has a long history of embracing innovation and technology to enhance the experience of our fans and advance our programs,” athletic director Scott Stricklin said in a statement. “Ripple has established itself as an innovative leader in financial technology, and we’re excited to welcome XRP to Gator Nation.”
Last season, Geico Insurance paid $1 million to advertise each of the Gators’ final two home games, against Tennessee and Florida State, after UF took advantage of an NCAA ruling permitting field logos.
Corporate advertisements are ubiquitous at stadiums across the nation, but logos provide a lucrative revenue stream to help athletic departments address escalating costs.
A 2024 NCAA ruling permitted schools to seek sponsorships for field logos and jersey patches ahead of pending revenue sharing with athletes. The House v. NCAA settlement required school distribute $20.5 million to athletes beginning July 1, 2025, a recurring expense set to increase 4% annually until the end of the 2034-35 school year.
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com