University of Oregon partners with Edward Jones, field ads for football

University of Oregon athletics, including the Ducks' football program, will kick off a four-year partnership with financial firm Edward Jones starting this Saturday for the Ducks' season opener against Boise State on Sept. 5 at Autzen Stadium.

The Edward Jones logo will appear on the 25-yard lines on the field as well as on field-level LEDs and the videoboard throughout the game and over the next four years. Edward Jones advertising will also be featured at men's and women's basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball and track and field events at Oregon.

"Edward Jones is a first-class organization and an industry leader, and this is a truly integrated partnership with a company that understands the importance of education and has made a significant investment in Oregon Athletics and Duck student-athletes," Oregon Director of Athletics Rob Mullens said in a statement. "Robust financial literacy programming is at the center of this partnership, and it will benefit UO student-athletes and our sport programs for years to come."

Rally towels will be given out to fans that attend the Boise State game to celebrate the new partnership. As part of the deal, the "Autzen Suite Level, Presented by Edward Jones," will provide year-round visibility and brand presence, complemented by season-long visibility across Oregon football and basketball broadcasts, digital advertising and Oregon social media channels, including a branded social media video series planned throughout the year. Edward Jones is also committed to helping student-athletes "navigate the evolving landscape of college athletics through education, resources, community investment and guidance."

Edward Jones will pay Learfield Sports, LLC sponsorship fees totaling nearly $34 million over the four-year agreement. Learfield is the designated multimedia rights holder for Duke, North Carolina and Oregon, who have all agreed to this deal. If all parties mutually agree to an extension, the contract will last one more year and bring the total agreement to just over $43 million. The value of Oregon's share was not disclosed.