CHICAGO (Aug. 11, 2026) – The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics today announced groundbreaking partnerships with UI Health and Are You Really Winning? (AYRW) that will place both organizations' marks on team uniforms for all 18 Flames' athletics programs beginning with the 2026-27 academic year.

The initiative makes UIC the first institution in the Missouri Valley Conference to implement a uniform patch sponsorship agreement.

The partnerships, developed in collaboration with UIC's corporate sponsorship and multimedia rights holder, Van Wagner, represent a new era for Flames Athletics while reinforcing the department's commitment to aligning with organizations that share its values of student-athlete success, health, wellness and community impact.

A new era for UIC Athletics ??

We are proud to team up with @UIHealth and Are You Really Winning? on a groundbreaking partnership!#ChicagosCollegeTeam pic.twitter.com/MZOHdBIyXv

— UIC Flames ?? (@UICFlames) August 11, 2026

 
"As collegiate athletics continues to evolve, we're committed to identifying innovative partnerships that not only strengthen the long-term future of UIC Athletics, but also reflect the values and mission of our university," said UIC Director of Athletics Andrea Williams. "UI Health and Are You Really Winning? are organizations that share our commitment to improving lives through education, athletic excellence, student-athlete development and community engagement. These partnerships represent far more than a new revenue opportunity — they demonstrate how athletics can serve as a powerful platform to elevate meaningful causes, create lasting community impact and enhance the student-athlete experience. We're proud to be leading the way nationally with a model that is uniquely UIC."
 
The addition of both uniform patches will provide unprecedented visibility for two organizations deeply connected to the University and its mission. The partnerships are also part of UIC Athletics' continued strategy to pursue innovative collaborations that strengthen the department's growth while enhancing a world-class student-athlete experience and advancing the University's commitment to serving Chicago and beyond.
 
For decades, UI Health has served as a trusted partner of UIC Athletics through sports medicine, healthcare services and collaborative campus initiatives. This expanded relationship reflects a longstanding commitment to supporting all UIC students while promoting health, wellness and access to care throughout the university community.
 
UI Health is more than a hospital — it's an academic health system dedicated to improving lives through exceptional patient care, groundbreaking research, education and community engagement. Through this partnership, UI Health continues expanding awareness around preventive care, mental and physical wellness, health equity and access to healthcare while reaching students where they learn, compete and thrive. It also reinforces the shared purpose between UIC Athletics and UI Health of helping students reach their full potential while investing in healthier communities for generations to come.
 
"As an official NCAA uniform patch sponsor, we are incredibly proud to see UIC student-athletes represent the UI Health brand," said Rachel Paus, UI Health Senior Director of Marketing & Strategic Communications. "The Flames embody the same values we strive to deliver every day — dedication, resilience, teamwork and excellence. This partnership is about much more than visibility; it's about supporting the overall well-being of students and demonstrating our commitment to serving the entire UIC community and the people of Chicago."
 
Alongside UI Health, UIC Athletics is expanding its partnership with Are You Really Winning?, a statewide public awareness campaign funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services that seeks to prevent problem gambling and connect individuals with resources and support.
 
A UIC Athletics partner since 2022-23, Are You Really Winning? utilizes the power of athletics to increase awareness surrounding responsible gaming while encouraging individuals to seek help if gambling begins impacting their lives, relationships or careers.
 
As sports wagering continues to grow following its legalization in Illinois in 2019, the campaign's message remains increasingly important across college campuses and throughout society. The uniform patch serves as a visible reminder that support is available through 1-800-GAMBLER for anyone affected by problem gambling.
 
"We are excited to announce this partnership with UIC to feature the 'Are You Really Winning?' logo on the uniforms of student-athletes who will compete across the country," said Dulce M. Quintero, Secretary of the Illinois Department of Human Services. "We want to remind college students and all Illinoisans that recovery from gambling disorder is possible, and no one has to face it alone. We are always here to help you. Many thanks to UIC for using this platform to raise awareness about these important resources."
 
"The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) is proud to collaborate with UIC Athletics, UI Health and the Illinois Department of Human Services to help prevent problem gambling and ensure individuals have access to critical support and resources without undue barriers," said IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter. "We will continue to partner together on impactful initiatives that protect the public and promote responsible gambling habits."
 
About UIC Athletics
The UIC Department of Intercollegiate Athletics supports 18 NCAA Division I sports programs comprised of nearly 300 student-athletes and more than 100 coaches and staff. Since earning NCAA Division I status in 1981, UIC has captured 80 conference championships and made 54 NCAA team and individual postseason appearances, while 21 Flames have achieved All-America status, 90 have been named conference Player of the Year and 63 coaches have earned conference Coach of the Year honors. In addition, UIC student-athletes have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for each of the past 24 semesters and boast a 91-percent graduation rate. The Flames are proud to compete in the Missouri Valley Conference, one of the nation's most respected leagues, both academically and athletically. For more information on UIC Athletics, fans are encouraged to visit UICFlames.com, or follow the Flames on social media through X (@UICFlames) and Instagram (@uicflames).
 
About UI Health
UI Health is the academic health enterprise of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), combining patient care, education, research, and innovation to advance health for everyone. UI Health's clinical enterprise includes the University of Illinois Hospital, a 451-bed tertiary care hospital accredited by The Joint Commission; more than 30 outpatient clinics throughout Chicago and Illinois; the Mile Square Health Center network of 11 Federally Qualified Health Centers; and patient-centered research entities like the University of Illinois Cancer Center. UI Health includes campuses in Chicago, Peoria, the Quad Cities, Rockford, Springfield, and Urbana, and the enterprise involves the academic, training, and research activities of UIC's seven health science colleges. The only public academic health center in Chicago, UI Health provides safe, high-quality care to patients throughout Chicago, the state of Illinois, and beyond.
 
About Illinois Gaming Board
The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) is the regulatory and law enforcement agency that oversees all licensed casino gambling, video gaming and sports wagering in the State. Our mission is to protect the integrity and safety of Illinois gaming while generating revenue for the state and local gaming host communities.
 
About Van Wagner
Van Wagner is a leading sports advertising and entertainment agency, with global expertise in live events, sponsorship sales, multimedia rights and aerial advertising. Van Wagner creates, advises and sells on behalf of world-class teams, leagues, brands and properties. An innovator in the sports and media business, Van Wagner is a global leader in high-impact broadcast visible signage throughout the NCAA, MLB, NBA, and international soccer, as well as collegiate multimedia rights and in-venue content production at the world's biggest sporting events. For more information, visit www.vanwagner.com.