WINONA LAKE, Ind. – Grace College has made history by partnering with Zimmer Biomet in a groundbreaking three-year agreement. This exclusive uniform sponsorship marks a significant first for collegiate athletics in the United States.
Zimmer Biomet, a leading global medical technology company, will have its logo prominently displayed on all Grace College varsity athletic uniforms. This includes home, away, and alternate College Uniform sets, ensuring brand visibility across all sports. The partnership, finalized on Wednesday, sets a new precedent in college sports sponsorships.
This announcement is particularly noteworthy as it represents the first publicly disclosed college uniform sponsorship deal in the nation. The NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), which has been forward-thinking in athlete rights, paved the way for this by becoming the first college sports organization to permit sponsor logos on college uniforms during competitions. This progressive legislation was approved at the NAIA’s National Administrative Council meeting in April, opening doors for innovative partnerships like this one.
Grace College and Zimmer Biomet representatives formalize the pioneering college uniform sponsorship agreement. (L-R) Jim Lancaster, Zimmer Biomet; Chad Briscoe and Drew Flamm, Grace College
“We are incredibly excited and thankful to announce this partnership between Grace College and Zimmer Biomet,” stated Grace College President Dr. Drew Flamm. “To our knowledge, this is the first college uniform sponsorship deal of its kind in the United States. Zimmer Biomet is a renowned and innovative organization within our community, and we deeply appreciate their investment in enhancing the experience for our student-athletes through this college uniform sponsorship.”
The collaboration between Grace College and Zimmer Biomet is built on a long-standing relationship within the Warsaw, Indiana community. Zimmer Biomet has been a local fixture since 1927 and has grown into an orthopedic industry leader, recognized as a Fortune 500 company with over $7.3 billion in revenue last year.
Jim Lancaster, President, Recon and Global Headquarters Executive Director at Zimmer Biomet, emphasized the mutual benefit of the partnership. “This partnership is a natural fit for us,” Lancaster commented. “We are committed to supporting our community, and we recognize that many of our most valuable team members are former Grace College athletes. We are hopeful that this college uniform sponsorship will encourage more talented student-athletes to remain in our community and contribute to its future.”
Grace College’s athletic program, known as the Lancers, has seen considerable success, achieving 20 national championships, with 18 of those earned since 2019. This partnership with Zimmer Biomet through college uniform sponsorship is expected to further support and elevate the athletic program.
“We are grateful for our community partnership with Zimmer Biomet. The NAIA’s innovative approach is enabling member institutions to develop new revenue streams that directly benefit the student-athlete experience,” said Grace Director of Athletics Chad Briscoe. “Zimmer Biomet has consistently been a strong community partner and a dedicated supporter of Grace College. We are excited to see this athletic partnership and college uniform sponsorship grow in the years ahead at Grace.”
About Grace College:
Grace College is a Christ-centered institution of higher education situated in Winona Lake, Indiana. Founded in 1948 and affiliated with Charis Fellowship, Grace College offers a wide range of academic programs, including over 100 majors, minors, certificates, and graduate programs available both on-campus and online. Known for its accelerated degree programs, Grace allows students to complete bachelor’s degrees in three years and combined bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just four years. Grace also operates a ministry training center in Akron, Ohio. For more information, visit www.grace.edu and explore Grace athletics at www.gclancers.com.
About Zimmer Biomet:
Zimmer Biomet is a global leader in medical technology focused on enhancing mobility and health outcomes. The company provides innovative products and integrated digital and robotic technologies that improve patient experiences through data and artificial intelligence. With over 90 years of experience, Zimmer Biomet is dedicated to delivering high-quality solutions to patients and healthcare providers worldwide. Operating in over 25 countries with sales in 100+ countries, Zimmer Biomet is committed to innovation and progress. Learn more at www.zimmerbiomet.com or follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/zimmerbiomet.
