Tennessee Athletics Announces Landmark Partnership With Axle Logistics

Knoxville-based Axle Logistics will become the official jersey patch sponsor for Tennessee men’s and women’s basketball.

Tennessee Athletics has entered a major new partnership with Knoxville-based Axle Logistics, naming the company the university’s first official jersey patch sponsor for both the men’s and women’s basketball programs.

The five-year agreement will place the Axle Logistics logo on Tennessee basketball jerseys while also creating new opportunities for student-athletes through influencer marketing and professional development initiatives.

Partnership Creates Opportunities for Student-Athletes

Founded by Tennessee alumni, Axle Logistics has become one of the largest employers of University of Tennessee graduates. The company has also developed strong ties throughout Knoxville, making the partnership a natural fit for both organizations.

The agreement extends beyond traditional sports sponsorship. Axle will make a significant investment in student-athlete influencer marketing programs designed to help athletes develop their personal brands, expand their professional connections and gain practical experience in marketing and business development.

Tennessee Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Danny White said finding an organization that shared the university’s values was a priority during the search for a jersey patch partner.

“From the onset of our journey to find the right partner in this evolving landscape, it was essential that we align with an organization that not only leads its field, but also embodies innovation, integrity, and a commitment to community,” White said.

White pointed to Axle’s growth, technology investments and commitment to its employees and the Knoxville community as reasons the company was an ideal partner for Tennessee Athletics.

Axle Logistics is a third-party logistics provider that offers services including truckload, less-than-truckload, intermodal and warehousing solutions to customers throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Jersey Patch Debuts This Fall

Tennessee’s men’s basketball team will debut the Axle Logistics patch during an exhibition matchup against Xavier on October 15 at Food City Center.

The Lady Vols will wear the patch for the first time during their exhibition game against Florida A&M on October 27.

Axle co-founders Jon Clay and Drew Johnson said the partnership reflects the similarities between successful athletic programs and businesses, particularly their emphasis on talent, preparation, teamwork and high standards.

The company also sees the agreement as an opportunity to strengthen its relationship with Tennessee’s student-athletes, develop its future workforce and support emerging leaders.

Vol Network Helped Facilitate Agreement

The partnership was arranged in collaboration with the Vol Network, a division of Learfield and Tennessee Athletics’ multimedia rights holder.

Vol Network Vice President and General Manager Brandon Parks called the agreement a natural match between two prominent Tennessee brands.

“We’re proud to assist in the Tennessee men’s and women’s basketball jersey patch partnership with Axle Logistics, a company with roots in Knoxville, and a longtime partner of Tennessee Athletics,” Parks said.

The five-year agreement reflects the long-term vision behind the relationship and represents a significant investment in Tennessee Athletics and its student-athletes.

Coaches Welcome the Partnership

Tennessee men’s basketball coach Rick Barnes said Axle’s Knoxville roots and connection to the university make the company an ideal partner for the Volunteers.

“As a company based in Knoxville and founded by Tennessee alums, Axle Logistics is the perfect brand for us to align with,” Barnes said.

Barnes added that the partnership should provide meaningful benefits for the basketball program and praised Tennessee Athletics and the Vol Network for bringing the two organizations together.

Women’s basketball coach Kim Caldwell also welcomed the agreement, emphasizing the potential impact on both current and future Lady Vols.

Caldwell said Axle’s local roots, UT alumni leadership and shared values make the company a strong fit for Tennessee basketball.

The partnership officially gives Axle Logistics a prominent place on Tennessee basketball uniforms while establishing a broader relationship focused on student-athlete development, career opportunities and community engagement.