Utah and ALKEME Insurance Announce Equipment Sponsorship
9/1/2026 1:59 PM | Football, General
New sponsorship category will see ALKEME name featured on Utah Football helmet bumpers
SALT LAKE CITY—The University of Utah and ALKEME, a top-16 insurance agency and one of the fastest-growing insurance brokerages in the country, announced today a multi-year partnership that makes ALKEME the equipment sponsor for the Utah football program. The ALKEME (pronounced "AL-kuh-me") name will be displayed across the bumpers on the back of Utah football players' helmets beginning this season in what is believed to be the first equipment-only partnership in the country.
The equipment sponsorship category is part of a broader sponsorship allowance approved by the NCAA that went into effect Aug. 1 to allow Division I teams to place up to two additional commercial logos or patches on their uniforms and apparel and one additional commercial logo on equipment during the preseason and regular season. This equipment sponsorship also extends to the other Utah teams that wear helmets.
"We look for partners who are genuinely pushing their industry forward, and Utah Athletics does exactly that," said Curtis Barton, CEO of ALKEME. "As we continue growing our presence across Utah, there's no better partner to stand alongside than a program that consistently sets the pace for what's next in college athletics — both on the field and off it. We're proud to be part of that ambition as Utah Athletics' official insurance sponsor, and we're excited about what this partnership means for our continued growth in the state."
ALKEME's partnership with the U also makes impact beyond the immense exposure provided by the helmets to thousands of fans watching games in person and millions more on national television. The company, which has built a significant and growing presence across Utah, will develop an internship program with the University of Utah's David Eccles School of Business.
"This partnership is a tremendous example of the impact that can be made when a partner that shares our values and our vision comes forward in a really creative way," said Director of Athletics Mark Harlan. "It also speaks to the new opportunities that are emerging through the innovative approach of Crimson Brand Partners. Our student-athletes will benefit from the investment that ALKEME is making in our athletics programs, and the internship program will open doors for University of Utah students."
ALKEME and the David Eccles School of Business are launching an innovative 'Company in Residence' partnership that brings business into the business school and creates meaningful opportunities for students to learn and work alongside industry professionals.
Over the summer ALKEME provided internships to more than 15 University of Utah students, second-most among companies providing internships to Eccles School students. Interns gained hands-on experience across sales, marketing, innovation and AI, information technology and finance. Many will continue working with ALKEME part-time during the fall semester.
With this model, ALKEME will have a dedicated space within the Eccles School where student interns can work and ALKEME leaders can engage with students. The partnership will extend beyond internships to include student projects, leadership development, mentoring and other opportunities to help students learn outside the classroom. This novel approach reflects a commitment to creating a closer connection between business education and business practice—giving students meaningful professional experiences while bringing the insights, talent and energy of the Eccles School directly to ALKEME.
ALKEME is a top-16, full-service insurance agency and one of the fastest-growing insurance brokerages in the country, providing businesses and individuals with commercial and personal insurance, employee and executive benefits, and retirement and wealth management services. Founded in 2020, ALKEME has already completed more than 95 acquisitions and serves customers from over 100 locations across 35 states. Learn more about ALKEME at alkemeins.com.
The equipment sponsorship category is part of a broader sponsorship allowance approved by the NCAA that went into effect Aug. 1 to allow Division I teams to place up to two additional commercial logos or patches on their uniforms and apparel and one additional commercial logo on equipment during the preseason and regular season. This equipment sponsorship also extends to the other Utah teams that wear helmets.
"We look for partners who are genuinely pushing their industry forward, and Utah Athletics does exactly that," said Curtis Barton, CEO of ALKEME. "As we continue growing our presence across Utah, there's no better partner to stand alongside than a program that consistently sets the pace for what's next in college athletics — both on the field and off it. We're proud to be part of that ambition as Utah Athletics' official insurance sponsor, and we're excited about what this partnership means for our continued growth in the state."
ALKEME's partnership with the U also makes impact beyond the immense exposure provided by the helmets to thousands of fans watching games in person and millions more on national television. The company, which has built a significant and growing presence across Utah, will develop an internship program with the University of Utah's David Eccles School of Business.
"This partnership is a tremendous example of the impact that can be made when a partner that shares our values and our vision comes forward in a really creative way," said Director of Athletics Mark Harlan. "It also speaks to the new opportunities that are emerging through the innovative approach of Crimson Brand Partners. Our student-athletes will benefit from the investment that ALKEME is making in our athletics programs, and the internship program will open doors for University of Utah students."
ALKEME and the David Eccles School of Business are launching an innovative 'Company in Residence' partnership that brings business into the business school and creates meaningful opportunities for students to learn and work alongside industry professionals.
Over the summer ALKEME provided internships to more than 15 University of Utah students, second-most among companies providing internships to Eccles School students. Interns gained hands-on experience across sales, marketing, innovation and AI, information technology and finance. Many will continue working with ALKEME part-time during the fall semester.
With this model, ALKEME will have a dedicated space within the Eccles School where student interns can work and ALKEME leaders can engage with students. The partnership will extend beyond internships to include student projects, leadership development, mentoring and other opportunities to help students learn outside the classroom. This novel approach reflects a commitment to creating a closer connection between business education and business practice—giving students meaningful professional experiences while bringing the insights, talent and energy of the Eccles School directly to ALKEME.
ALKEME is a top-16, full-service insurance agency and one of the fastest-growing insurance brokerages in the country, providing businesses and individuals with commercial and personal insurance, employee and executive benefits, and retirement and wealth management services. Founded in 2020, ALKEME has already completed more than 95 acquisitions and serves customers from over 100 locations across 35 states. Learn more about ALKEME at alkemeins.com.
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