MORGANTOWN, W.Va — West Virginia University and Antero Resources are partnering to make the energy company the Official Jersey Patch Sponsor of the Mountaineers.
With the five-year partnership, Antero’s logos will feature on home and away jerseys for all 18 of WVU’s varsity sports teams.
“Since beginning operations in West Virginia in 2008, Antero has prioritized investing in the communities in which our team members live and work,” Michael Kennedy, CEO of Antero Resources and Antero Midstream, said. “Antero is proud to partner with WVU as the Official Jersey Patch Sponsor and support Mountaineer student athletes.”
This marks the first jersey sponsorship in the university’s history. On August 1, new NCAA rules permitting jersey sponsorships took effect after leadership passed them in January.
“This is an historic day for West Virginia Athletics, and I am grateful that Antero is part of the Mountaineer family,” WVU Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker said. “More than 500 Mountaineer student-athletes proudly wear the West Virginia jersey, competing and representing the University and the state in front of millions each week on the national stage. Now, Antero shares that jersey with us and will play a key role in our future success.
“As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, WVU plays a vital and dynamic role in the overall economic success, growth and well-being of the state,” Baker added. “Antero has been a partner of ours that cares, as it supplies energy on a daily basis to improve health, safety and the livelihood of millions. The Mountaineers look forward to being a part of this special bond with Antero.”
Antero leadership feels this is a natural fit.
“I would go straight to what (WVU director of athletics) Wren Baker said this morning when he presented our CEO with the jersey with the patch on it and they made the announcement. He said it almost looks like it was always meant to be there. It just feels like such a natural partnership to us,” Antero director of government relations Maribeth Anderson said.
The sponsorship is another significant investment in WVU by Antero, which donated $4 million to WVU’s Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources in 2023.
“Antero has a strong history of investment in both the state of West Virginia and West Virginia University,” Conrad Baston, Vice President of Procurement and Administration at Antero Resources and Antero Midstream, said. “We are thrilled to take the next step in modern college athletics by supporting the student athletes at WVU.”
Antero’s operations are largely centered in north central West Virginia, and the company hopes to expand its reach across the state.
“If you live in Doddridge, Wetzel, Harrison, Tyler, or Ritchie County, you know, but the whole state maybe doesn’t know, so that kind of aligns with our wanting people to know who we are,” she said.
Antero officials see that brand expansion as an exciting proposition moving forward with WVU. Anderson points to the connection between Antero employees and the university as a key component.
“A large portion of Antero’s employees graduated from WVU. A lot of Antero kids go to WVU, so it’s just been a fun and exciting day for our company and our employees,” she said.
WVU and Antero’s partnership also includes marketing across the university’s sports channels.