The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Texas Athletics names Verdadero Tequila the Official Tequila of the Longhorns
07.30.2026 | Texas Athletics, Longhorn Sports Properties / Learfield
The multiyear sponsorship is highlighted by branded premium hospitality areas to connect with Texas fans.
AUSTIN, Texas—Building on a commitment to deliver premium game day experiences and engagement opportunities for Longhorns fans, Texas Athletics today announced it is teaming up with Verdadero Tequila to serve as the Official Tequila Sponsor of the Texas Longhorns.
The expansive, cross-campus sponsorship will also designate Austin-based Verdadero as the Official Tequila of the Texas Exes, a Proud Supporting Partner of the Moody Center, and a Proud Sponsor of Texas Performing Arts.
"We are so excited to have Austin-based Verdadero join our ongoing initiatives to create the best fan experiences in college sports, on gamedays and beyond," said Drew Martin, executive senior associate athletics director for external affairs for Texas Athletics. "We look forward to integrating their premium products into our venues and events for Longhorn Nation to enjoy."
Verdadero Tequila will serve as the title sponsor of the Verdadero Touchdown Club and the southeast bowl third level platform in Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium during all Longhorns football regular season home games, as well as the title sponsor of the Loge Level in Moody Center during all men's and women's basketball regular season home games. There will also be Verdadero-branded bars in DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, Moody Center, and at UFCU Disch-Falk Field.
As Verdadero enters a new chapter with Texas Athletics, the brand is also introducing a refreshed look with newly redesigned bottles arriving at retailers across Texas. Longhorn fans can find Verdadero at retailers statewide, including Texas-born, family-owned Twin Liquors, where select locations will feature official Texas gameday cocktail recipes inspired by the drinks served at DKR–Texas Memorial Stadium. Throughout the year, Verdadero will also bring its "Spirit For More" to Longhorn Nation through exclusive fan promotions, including football ticket sweepstakes, a $10,000 Longhorn Experience Giveaway, and other unforgettable opportunities that reward fans for celebrating the Longhorns spirit.
"Partnering with the University of Texas is both an honor and a privilege, but for us, this is about much more than putting our name next to the Longhorns," said Chase Deppen, owner and CEO of Verdadero Tequila. "We are building Verdadero in Austin with the ambition to become one of the defining brands to come out of this city, and there is no better platform, partner or community to build alongside than the Texas Longhorns."
The multiyear sponsorship, developed and managed by Longhorn Sports Properties, a division of college sports media and technology leader Learfield, marks Verdadero's first investment in college sports.
"From our first conversations, it was clear Verdadero shared our vision for creating real, emotional moments and lasting connections with our fans and alumni," said Lucas Motta, Vice President of Longhorn Sports Properties. "We are looking forward to embedding them into the fabric of athletics and having them be a part of the everyday moments that bring us together around the power of sports."
About Verdadero
Founded in Austin in 2020 and now led by owner Chase Deppen, Verdadero Tequila is a premium tequila brand crafted in Jalisco, Mexico, using 100% Blue Weber Agave, natural spring water, and wild yeast. Cleanly produced with no shortcuts, Verdadero is rooted in authenticity, balance, and intentional craftsmanship, created for the way people gather, celebrate, and drink today. The brand distinguishes itself through a thoughtful production approach that combines eight-year-old agave from both the highlands and lowlands of Jalisco. This creates a balanced profile merging the bright citrus and sweetness of highland agave with the earthy depth and minerality of lowland agave. While rooted in traditional tequila-making methods, including slow horno roasting and extended fermentation, Verdadero's process emphasizes purity, balance, and craftsmanship in every pour. Available in Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo expressions, Verdadero is made for those who believe life is meant to be crafted, not consumed, bringing a sense of ease, intention, and modern hospitality to every pour, whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a beautifully made cocktail. For more information, visit https://verdaderotequila.com or follow Verdadero Tequila on social media.
About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and more than 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield delivers influence and reach to target audiences through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification, exclusive content, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors' Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
