Inn of the Mountain Gods and NMSU enter branding partnership

NM State Athletics announced a landmark partnership with Inn of the Mountain Gods, which will become the exclusive jersey patch partner for Aggie Athletics beginning with the 2026-27 seasons.

The three-year agreement announced March 23 marks a historic moment as it introduces the first jersey patch partner in NMSU history and also establishes NM State as the first institution in Conference USA to announce a jersey patch partnership. This also stands as the largest annual partnership commitment NMSU Athletics has ever received.

“This partnership marks a groundbreaking moment for NM State Athletics,” said NM State Director of Athletics Joe Fields. “Inn of the Mountain Gods is an organization that represents the heritage and excellence of New Mexico, and we’re proud to have their brand featured on our uniforms. Being the first program in Conference USA to announce a jersey patch partnership speaks to the momentum of Aggie Athletics. We’re excited to collaborate with a partner that shares our values and our vision for elevating the student-athlete experience while strengthening our connection to communities across the state.”

As part of the partnership, the Inn of the Mountain Gods logo will appear on official Aggie football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, volleyball, baseball and softball uniforms, placing one of New Mexico’s most iconic establishments alongside the tradition of Aggie Athletics.

Frizzell Frizzell Jr., chief operating officer of Inn of the Mountain Gods, highlighted the significance of the collaboration.

“This partnership represents a powerful moment for both organizations,” he said. “To be the first enterprise to place our logo on NMSU Athletics uniforms is an honor we don’t take lightly. New Mexico State University embodies resilience, pride, and excellence – values we share at Inn of the Mountain Gods – and we’re proud to stand alongside the Aggies in a way that will be seen and felt across the nation.”

The announcement creates a partnership that goes beyond the playing field into culture and community, according to Sarah Kazhe, chief marketing officer of Inn of the Mountain Gods, emphasized the cultural and community depth of the partnership:

“This collaboration goes beyond visibility—it’s about storytelling, identity, and shared pride,” Kazhe said. “Inn of the Mountain Gods is shaped by where it comes from and the cultural foundation connected to the Mescalero Apache community that inspires our enterprise. Being represented across NMSU Athletics uniforms allows us to celebrate New Mexico’s heritage while connecting with fans in an authentic way. We’re proud to see our brand on the field and honored to be part of Aggie tradition in such a bold and historic way.”

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to New Mexico pride, cultural heritage, and the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics, with brand integration spanning football, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, baseball, and softball.

"Becoming the first institution in Conference USA to announce a jersey patch partnership is a testament to the momentum of Aggie Athletics and the strength of what NM State represents,” said Valerio Ferme, president of NMSU. “We're honored that Inn of the Mountain Gods — which has deep roots in the heritage and pride of the Mescalero Apache community — will be the partner whose name our student-athletes carry into competition. This relationship reflects our university's desire to listen and collaborate more deeply with the native people and communities of New Mexico.”

More details surrounding branding placement and future partnership initiatives will be announced as the launch approaches.