SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana University announced Thursday a new five-year partnership with MarketBeat as the official jersey patch sponsor for Augustana Hockey.
With this announcement, Augustana becomes the first known institution in South Dakota and the first Central Collegiate Hockey Association program to formalize a uniform patch sponsorship.
The 2026-27 academic year marks the first season in which the NCAA has allowed commercial sponsorship patches on team jerseys. While the patch will serve as a highly visible representation of the partnership, the agreement reflects a much larger, long-term investment in the continued growth of South Dakota's only Division I men's hockey program.
MarketBeat will join Augustana Hockey's Founding Partners, a group of local, regional and national organizations whose commitments have helped launch, sustain and strengthen the program. MarketBeat will also be recognized on the Founding Partner Wall at Midco Arena.
"We're so grateful to Matt and Karine Paulson and to MarketBeat for this important relationship," said
Josh Morton, vice president for athletics. "This is another example of what makes Sioux Falls such a special community: business leaders who care deeply about the community and are willing to make significant investments. Matt and his family have been faithful fans of our hockey program since we dropped the puck in 2023."
MarketBeat Founder and CEO Matt Paulson said the partnership reflects the company's commitment to supporting programs that strengthen the Sioux Falls community.
"Augustana Hockey has created something incredibly special in a very short amount of time," Paulson said. "Of course, we're excited about the jerseys, but this partnership means more to us than just having our logo out there. Becoming a Founding Partner gives us the chance to stand behind a program that brings people together, creates new opportunities for student-athletes and adds to the quality of life in Sioux Falls. We are proud to help support the next chapter of Augustana Hockey."
The Vikings enter their fourth season following a 22-11-4 campaign and an appearance in the CCHA semifinals. Augustana will begin the 2026-27 season with an exhibition game at North Dakota on October 3 before hosting Minnesota Duluth on October 9-10 at Midco Arena.
About MarketBeat
MarketBeat is an Inc. 5000 financial media company that empowers individual investors to make better trading decisions through real-time financial data, in-depth analysis and best-in-class stock research tools. MarketBeat has been recognized by Barron's, Entrepreneur, the Financial Times, Forbes and Inc. for its growth and success. With several million subscribers, MarketBeat is the largest digital media company in the Dakotas.
About Augustana Hockey
Located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Augustana University is home to the state's only Division I men's hockey program. The program enters its fourth season following a 22-11-4 campaign and a CCHA semifinal appearance in 2025-26. The Vikings will open the 2026-27 home schedule against Minnesota Duluth on October 9-10 at Midco Arena.
