The partnership deepens an existing financial relationship between the university and the energy producer. Antero Resources, which currently extracts nearly half of West Virginia’s natural gas, previously donated $4 million to the university’s Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources in 2023. That funding supported petroleum engineering education and launched an online master’s program in midstream engineering.

Michael Kennedy, CEO of Antero Resources and Antero Midstream, described the move as an extension of the company's commitment to the local workforce and community investment. WVU Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker noted that the sponsorship will be represented by more than 500 student-athletes. In addition to the jersey patches, the deal grants Antero branding rights across various WVU sports media channels. This move aligns with the company’s recent aggressive expansion in the region, including a $4 billion acquisition of additional local natural gas assets.