TUCSON, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct 30, 2026--
Arizona Athletics and Carvana today announced a landmark partnership, which designates Carvana as the exclusive auto partner of Arizona Athletics, the official jersey patch partner for Wildcats men’s and women’s basketball, and an official University of Arizona partner.
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Partnership designates Carvana as exclusive auto partner, official jersey patch partner of Wildcats men’s and women’s basketball, and official University of Arizona partner.
The partnership, in collaboration with Arizona Sports Enterprises, represents the first jersey patch sponsorship in school history and will extend beyond athletics to create broader connections between Carvana and the University of Arizona.
“We are pleased to announce this transformative partnership between Arizona Athletics and Carvana,” R. Ken Coit Director of Athletics Desireé Reed-Francois said. “Carvana has deep Arizona roots and shares our commitment to innovation, competitive excellence, and community engagement. The depth of this partnership showcases the power of the Wildcats brand and creates impactful opportunities for our men’s and women’s basketball student-athletes. We appreciate everyone who worked together to bring this to life.”
The partnership includes significant integration with Arizona’s men's and women's basketball teams, including in-venue branding at McKale Center at ALKEME Arena, digital and social content, radio and ESPN+ inventory, game sponsorships, fan activations, and hospitality opportunities. Carvana and Arizona Athletics will collaborate on original, season-long content across both programs, including a social media series and additional short- and mid-form storytelling.
“Arizona Athletics is one of the premier athletic programs in the country, and we’re excited to be the first jersey patch partner for men’s and women’s basketball in school history. We’re proud to align with an organization that shares our ambition and commitment to excellence,” said Ryan Keeton, Carvana Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer. “As an Arizona company, this partnership gives us the opportunity to support the student-athletes who wear the jersey every day and to connect with Wildcats fans in new and authentic ways.”
In addition to its sponsorship presence around marquee Wildcats men’s basketball events, Carvana will serve as presenting sponsor of the Red-Blue Showcase and Red-Blue post-event/concert. Carvana will also integrate into Arizona basketball alumni programming and reunions. Elevated fan experiences and sweepstakes will also provide Arizona fans access to unique experiences surrounding Wildcats basketball.
Carvana will work directly with select men’s and women's basketball student-athletes via Name, Image & Likeness initiatives, including content and promotions.
“Arizona men’s basketball is a premium brand built on our people, our tradition, and the standard we strive to uphold every day,” men’s basketball head coach Tommy Lloyd said. “Carvana shares that commitment to people and excellence, and we are grateful for their meaningful investment in our program. We're excited to welcome them to our family and to serve the best fans in the country together."
“We’re incredibly grateful to Carvana for its investment in Arizona women’s basketball and our student-athletes,” women’s basketball head coach Becky Burke said. “This partnership creates meaningful opportunities for our players, our program and our fans, and we’re excited to have a partner that believes in what we’re building here in Tucson.”
Beyond athletics, Carvana will engage with University of Arizona students, families, employees, and alumni through campus events and career development opportunities. Through Carvana Cares, its employee-driven community outreach program, Carvana will also collaborate with both basketball teams on local initiatives.
About Arizona Athletics
The University of Arizona’s Department of Athletics, a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Big 12 Conference, supports more than 500 student-athletes across 22 sports. The Wildcats have captured 24 team national championships and 199 individual national championships in their storied history. Arizona Athletics is dedicated to developing and graduating leaders in its mission to win championships and galvanize the community. For more information visit arizonawildcats.com.
About the University of Arizona
Established in 1885, the University of Arizona is the state's flagship, land-grant institution. The U of A ranks among America's top institutions, focusing on student access and success while driving a $1 billion research enterprise and engaging communities throughout the state, nation and world. As a leading Research 1 institution and member of the Association of American Universities, the U of A advances the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships. With two accredited medical schools, designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education, recognition as a premier university for service members, distinguished programs in management information systems, planetary sciences, dance, photography, and public and applied humanities, the U of A offers the world to its students while uplifting Arizona.
About Arizona Sports Enterprises
Founded in 2024, Arizona Sports Enterprises (ASE) serves as the official multimedia rights holder for Arizona Athletics. ASE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that facilitates corporate partnerships and other commercial initiatives that connect brands with the passion and tradition of Arizona Athletics and drive value for its partners.
About Carvana
Carvana’s mission is to change the way people buy and sell cars. Since launching in 2013, more than 4 million customers have chosen Carvana’s leading automotive e-commerce experience to shop, sell, finance, and trade in vehicles entirely online, with the convenience of delivery or local pickup as soon as the same day. Carvana’s unique offering is powered by its passionate team, differentiated national infrastructure, and purpose-built technology. For more information, visit carvana.com.
View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261030325917/en/
CONTACT: Media Contact
Arizona Athletics
Carter Toole
ctoole@arizona.edu
KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA ARIZONA
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: TECHNOLOGY ELECTRONIC COMMERCE AUTOMOTIVE BASKETBALL SPORTS OTHER RETAIL SPECIALTY MARKETING LICENSING (SPORTS) UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS RETAIL OTHER AUTOMOTIVE EDUCATION INTERNET GENERAL SPORTS ONLINE RETAIL
SOURCE: Arizona Athletics
Copyright Business Wire 2026.
PUB: 10/30/2026 08:00 AM/DISC: 10/30/2026 08:01 AM
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