UNCW athletics is expanding its partnership with Novant Health and EmergeOrtho forthe 2026-27 academic year.
The multi-year agreement marks the largest investment in UNCW Athletics history, according to a news release.
The partnership solidifies existing ties among the organizations, with Novant Health becoming the official healthcare provider for the Seahawks, and EmergeOrtho continuing as the official sports medicine provider.
The investment will include updated medical facilities on UNCW's campus, staffed with doctors and healthcare professionals to support student-athletes through sports medicine, nutrition, physical therapy, and mental health services.
UNCW adds first jersey sponsorships
UNCW will feature Novant Health and EmergeOrtho on the men's and women's basketball jerseys,
marking the first jersey patch sponsor in UNCW athletics history. Additional logos will appear on mascot Sammy C. Hawk's jersey and on the baseball and softball teams' helmets.
The agreement includes integrated brand exposure through in-venue signage and promotions, digital and social media campaigns, and Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) activations.
"This is a landmark day for UNCW Athletics and a defining moment for the future of our department," said UNCW athletic director Michael Oblinger. "We set out to find partners who could help us deliver best-in-class, comprehensive medical care while supporting the long-term vision for our department. In Novant Health and EmergeOrtho, we found partners who shared that vision — and challenged us to think even bigger.
"Together, we've created a transformational relationship that extends well beyond traditional sports medicine, including meaningful NIL opportunities for our student-athletes, significant investments in our facilities, and the development of a dedicated sports medicine complex."
EmergeOrtho partnership on fifth decade
"Novant Health is proud to serve as the Official Healthcare Provider of UNCW Athletics." said Josh Tucker, vice president of operations and surgical services for Novant Health Coastal Region. "This partnership reflects a shared commitment to the health, well-being, and long-term success of Seahawk student-athletes, as well as the continued growth of southeastern North Carolina."
EmergeOrtho has served as the sports medicine partner for UNCW Athletics for more than 50 years.
"As an independent, physician-owned medical practice, we are honored to continue that legacy through this expanded partnership with UNCW and Novant Health," said Zach Welch, the executive director of EmergeOrtho's Coastal Region. "By combining the unique strengths and expertise of each organization, we are helping enhance access to healthcare resources for the university community while ensuring student-athletes continue to receive the exceptional sports medicine care they deserve."
This story was created by Jared Greenleaf (jgreenleaf@gannett.com) with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing, and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical conduct.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: UNCW unveils first sponsor jersey patch for biggest athletics teams
