Tennessee has found its first official jersey patch partner for men’s and women’s basketball, and the school is keeping it close to home.
The athletic department announced a five-year agreement with Knoxville-based Axle Logistics, which will now appear on the Vols’ and Lady Vols’ jerseys. It’s a notable step for Tennessee Athletics, but the deal is bigger than a logo on a uniform. The partnership also includes a significant investment in student-athlete influencer marketing initiatives, giving athletes a platform to build personal brands, expand professional networks and get hands-on experience in marketing and business development.
Axle Logistics brings a strong Tennessee connection to the table. The company was founded by Tennessee alumni and has grown into one of the largest employers of University of Tennessee graduates, helping deepen ties with the school’s alumni base and the Knoxville community.
The company describes itself as a non-asset based, third-party logistics firm that handles advanced logistics services across Truckload, LTL, Intermodal and Warehousing for customers in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Tennessee vice chancellor and director of athletics Danny White said the fit mattered from the start.
"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," Tennessee vice chancellor and director of athletics Danny White said. "We found all of that in Axle Logistics.
"Axle's reputation for operational excellence and customer service has propelled the to the forefront of the logistics industry, not just in Knoxville but across the nation. Their investments in technology and their dedication to supporting both employees and the broader community make them an ideal partner collaborator for Tennessee Athletics."
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