INDIANAPOLIS — Eli Lilly and Company will have its logo displayed on the basketball courts at Indiana University’s Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall and Purdue University’s Mackey Arena as part of a new multiyear partnership.
Lilly, IU Athletics, Purdue Athletics and Learfield announced the agreement Friday. It marks Lilly’s first full sports sponsorship in college athletics.
The partnership will include prominent placement of the Lilly logo on Branch McCracken Court at Assembly Hall and Keady Court at Mackey Arena, along with other sponsorship opportunities throughout the year.
Lilly officials say the agreement will help the Indianapolis-based pharmaceutical company connect with fans while raising awareness of career opportunities at the company.
That includes opportunities tied to Lilly’s expanding Indiana operations, including a major manufacturing campus under construction in Lebanon.
The company also hopes to strengthen recruiting connections with students and graduates from IU and Purdue, particularly in science, technology, business and manufacturing.
“Lilly, Indiana and Purdue each have extraordinary histories of excellence and impact in the state of Indiana,” said Deana Barnes, executive vice president of sports properties at Learfield.
IU Athletic Director Scott Dolson called the partnership a natural fit, pointing to the shared commitment to innovation and improving lives.
Purdue Athletic Director Tommy McClelland said the relationship extends beyond basketball and builds on the institutions’ longstanding connections in research and education.
The agreement gives Lilly year-round visibility through sponsorship activities connected to both athletic programs.
