The University of West Florida is receiving major backing from the Pensacola law firm of Michles & Booth that will support Argonaut Athletics as it transitions to NCAA Division I competition.
As part of the partnership announced Wednesday, Michles & Booth will become the “Official Law Firm of UWF Athletics,” name the press tower pavilion at Darrell Gooden Stadium, and become the first-ever uniform patch sponsor for UWF Athletics.
UWF President Manny Diaz Jr. said he was proud to officially welcome Michles & Booth in its new role.
“Their significant commitment reflects the important role our business and community partners play in helping UWF continue to strengthen our programs and compete at the highest level,” said Diaz.
As part of the agreement, the Michles & Booth logo will be featured on official uniform patches for football, cross country, and swimming and diving, marking the first uniform patch sponsorship in UWF Athletics history.
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The partnership also includes the naming of the press tower pavilion in the new Darrell Gooden Stadium, which is now under construction and will open in 2027. The tower will be home to two premium club spaces, 18 luxury suites, the President's Box and many other media and gameday operations areas.
“At Michles & Booth we are proud to be celebrating our 25th year of representing local injury victims. It’s our privilege and honor to emphasize our commitment to the next 25 years by partnering with UWF Athletics, a shining example of what hard work, vision and a commitment to excellence can bring to our community,” said Marcus J. Michles II, Founding Partner of Michles & Booth.
Although the exact amount wasn’t revealed, university officials point to the commitment from Michles & Booth as transformational support that will touch UWF’s facilities, teams and the overall UWF Athletics brand, giving UWF Athletics the resources to enhance the student-athlete experience, strengthen its programs and create more opportunities for future Argonauts.
“You're going to see these deals are continually being worked on,” added President Diaz, pointing to the financial opportunities that are opening up for UWF as it begins its next chapter as a Division I institution. “So, when we talked about athletics being self-sustaining and having revenue, you're already seeing the fruits of that starting. And we haven't even gotten to the assets at the stadium, right? You're talking about signage, you're talking about in-game promotions, you're talking about official restaurants.”
According to Diaz, it’s a long process, but he expects to see some of the fruits of their efforts this year. That will likely include more patch sponsorships, since every sport is allowed to have as many as two.
The Michles & Booth patch sponsorship is a five-year deal, while their commitment as the “Official Law Firm of UWF Athletics” is a 10-year commitment.
For more information about UWF’s DI transition, visit uwf.edu/DI. For more information about UWF Athletics, visit goargos.com.
