A Strategic Partnership Between K-State and Purple Wave Auction
Kansas State University and Purple Wave Auction announced a landmark agreement that will see the auction company’s branding featured on the 2026 Wildcats football jerseys, marking the first-ever patch sponsorship in the program’s history.
The collaboration extends beyond the fabric of the uniform, incorporating a suite of digital activations, social‑media campaigns and in‑game promotions that will intertwine the auction platform with the Wildcats’ fan experience.
Central to the deal are opportunities for Wildcat football student‑athletes to engage with Purple Wave’s no‑reserve marketplace, creating new name‑image‑likeness pathways that align with the university’s emphasis on entrepreneurial growth.
Gene Taylor, who leads K-State Athletics, emphasized that the partnership with Purple Wave aligns with the university’s vision of integrating innovative business models into the student‑athlete experience.
The patch will make its debut on September 5, 2026, when the Wildcats open their season against Nicholls at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas, a moment that will be broadcast to a national audience.
Aaron McKee, chief executive officer of Purple Wave Auction, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to grit, resilience and community roots, values that have defined both the auction house and the university’s athletic identity.
Andrew Wheeler, executive vice president of sports properties at Learfield, praised the collaboration, noting that Purple Wave’s dedication to supporting Wildcat student‑athletes elevates the brand partnership to a new standard.
Founded in 2000, Purple Wave Auction has grown into the nation’s leading no‑reserve platform for construction, agricultural and fleet equipment sales, offering global reach while maintaining a local touch that resonates with Kansas businesses.