Jersey Mike’s Subs and the Atlanta Tipoff Club, administrators of the Naismith Awards, building on their existing partnership, have agreed to a sponsorship for the collegiate Naismith Trophy, the most prestigious honor in college basketball. The award, first presented in 1969, honors college basketball’s top men’s and women’s player each year. Jersey Mike’s will continue to be the title sponsor of the Naismith High School Trophy, a partnership that started in 2018.  

The extension of Jersey Mike’s sponsorship to the college awards marks the first time both the high school and college players’ Naismith Trophy honors will be sponsored by the same company.

“Jersey Mike’s has a long-standing tradition of high quality and dedication to excellence, which mirrors the attributes of the Naismith Trophy, and we couldn’t be more pleased to extend our partnership to continue honoring the best that college basketball has to offer,” says Eric Oberman, executive director, Atlanta Tipoff Club.

As a marketing partner, Jersey Mike’s will become the “Official Sub Sandwich” of the Naismith Awards, Naismith Trophy and the Atlanta Tipoff Club. Jersey Mike’s will also be the presenting sponsor of the Naismith Awards Fan Vote, which allows fan to cast a ballot for the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy and Werner Ladder Naismith Coach of the Year awards. Additionally, Jersey Mike’s will become a sponsor of “A Trophy Life,” the Naismith Awards’ weekly podcast.  The Naismith Awards’ largest annual fundraiser, a celebrity golf tournament, will become the Naismith Awards Invitational presented by Jersey Mike’s.

“Jersey Mike’s Founder Peter Cancro bought his first sub shop at age 17 with the help of a former football coach, so sports have played an important role in our history. Jersey Mike’s is proud to associate with the Naismith Trophy in recognizing these top-tier basketball athletes,” says Rich Hope, chief marketing officer, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc.

The Atlanta Tipoff Club will release the watch list for the Men’s Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy on Nov. 17, and the Women’s Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy watch list will be revealed on Nov. 19. The Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy watch lists for Girls High School Player of the Year and Boys High School Player of the Year will be announced on Nov.  10 and Nov. 12, respectively.

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