A Strategic Partnership for the Vols
Tennessee’s men’s and women’s basketball teams have agreed to a five‑year jersey sponsorship with Axle Logistics, a Knoxville‑based logistics company. The deal, worth more than $3 million each year, represents the first time a corporate sponsor has secured the right to appear on the Volunteers’ and Lady Vols’ uniforms.
Axle Logistics, which specializes in truckload, less‑than‑truckload, intermodal and warehousing services across the United States, Canada and Mexico, was highlighted by Tennessee Athletics Director Danny White for its operational excellence, customer service and commitment to community and technology investments.
Co‑founders Jon Clay and Drew Johnson, both University of Tennessee alumni, said the partnership reflects shared values of talent, teamwork and a relentless pursuit of excellence, while also creating pathways for student‑athletes and strengthening workforce pipelines.
Head coach Rick Barnes described Axle Logistics as the “perfect brand” for the Volunteers, noting the company’s roots in the university community and its alignment with the program’s ambitions.
Starting with the 2026‑27 season, the Vols and Lady Vols will transition from Nike to Adidas apparel, bringing the iconic three‑stripe collar detail to the new jerseys. The redesign marks the latest chapter in a uniform history that has seen several iterations since the 1970s, a period that produced multiple SEC championships.