PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State University Athletics and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation announced a new $8.43 million partnership to feature Colville Tribe jersey patches on all Cougar uniforms.
This is a five-year agreement between the University and the Tribe and WSU says it represents one of the most comprehensive uniform recognitions in college athletics.
“At the heart of this partnership is a shared belief in investing in young people, helping them become exceptional students, future leaders, and ultimately bringing them back home to strengthen the communities they love,” said WSU President Betsy Cantwell. “That alignment of values is what made the Colville Tribes the right partner for this historic opportunity.”
The Chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Jarred-Michael Erickson, said, “The Colville Tribes has partnered with WSU for decades now on a variety of topics related to education and culture. We are pleased to continue our partnership with this new and historic involvement in WSU’s athletic program. Athletics instill character, and that is an important quality for Colville. There are multiple aspects to this deal, but I am sure our membership will especially enjoy seeing a Colville Tribes patch on WSU jerseys. Go Cougs!”
WSU says this agreement also includes a $250,000 donation to the Cougar Athletic Excellence Fund in year old. It will also put out youth clinics in tribal communities, regional basketball development opportunities, and an AAU tribal tournament.
There will also be Colville Tribes entitlement games across multiple sports, special Nike N7 games for men’s and women’s basketball, and integration across WSU Athletics platforms and game-day experiences.
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