Tyson Foods inks deal to support Razorback athletics

Springdale-based Tyson Foods and the University of Arkansas inked a five-year deal to sponsor all varsity sports played at the state’s flagship university. Terms of the deal designed to help the university financially compete for athletes were not disclosed.

“We won’t be discussing the financial details of the deal due to competitive disadvantage,” Kyle Parkinson, spokesman for the UA Department of Athletics, noted in an email.

Tyson Foods did not respond to multiple requests for comment about the partnership.

Starting this year, every jersey worn by all athletes playing in the 19 intercollegiate sports for the Razorbacks will include a patch sponsorship from Tyson Foods. The Springdale-based meat giant will also be the “Official Protein of the Razorbacks,” and that includes Tyson branding on all university courts and playing fields. Media backdrops at press conferences will feature the Tyson Foods logo, and there will be a brand ambassador program that engages Arkansas student-athletes in promotions.

Tyson said 90% of the revenue generated from the efforts will go to athletes through their name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities. UA Athletic Director Hunter Yurachek said the sponsorship is transformative for Razorback athletics.

“For decades, Tyson Foods has been more than a corporate partner — they are an integral part of the Arkansas story,” he noted in a press release. “Having Tyson Foods incorporated across our varsity teams and venues sends a powerful message about the caliber of our programs and the type of talent we can bring to the university. We are grateful for our continued partnership and thrilled to showcase this collaboration to the nation every time our teams compete.”

College officials have been vocal about the need for sponsorship endorsements and other revenue-producing opportunities that can aid in recruiting and retaining top athletes amid a highly-competitive landscape.

“Tyson Foods has been proud to support the Arkansas Razorbacks for generations — investing in champions today and leaders for tomorrow in the state we’ve called home for more than 90 years,” said John Tyson, chairman of the board at Tyson Foods. “Together, we support young people to compete and succeed — on the field, in the classroom and beyond.”

He joked that the revenue potential is not likely to be $100 million, but it does build upon 90 years of local support. Donnie King, CEO of Tyson Foods, said the partnership strengthens the company’s ability to connect with the next generation of consumers through sports.

The new partnership between Tyson Foods and the UA deals with future income. However, over the past 25 years, cash gifts made to the UA from the meat giant and the Tyson Family Foundation total more than $24 million.