Desert Cactus News & Updates

Custom Solutions for Campus Stores

Desert Cactus understands that every campus is unique. Our flexible customization capabilities allow Member Stores to create distinctive product assortments that reflect their institution’s identity while meeting the interests of today’s students, alumni, and fans.

Customization options include:

• Custom product development
• School-specific packaging and branding
• Designs representing all Olympic sports
• Merchandising solutions that help expand product assortments

These tailored solutions help stores differentiate their merchandise mix while strengthening their campus brand.

Desert Cactus looks forward to partnering directly with ICBA Member Stores and becoming an active part of the ICBA Community.

DePaul Athletics officially announced a groundbreaking partnership with Chicagoland-based Desert Cactus. This makes Desert Cactus the first jersey patch sponsor in the BIG EAST Conference. Desert Cactus will appear on all DePaul men’s basketball uniforms, debuting in the 2026-27 season.

In addition to this jersey visibility, Desert Cactus will work with DePaul as a testing ground for new product innovations. The company will then scale these innovations across the country. Thi partnership will also let Desert Cactus pilot officially licensed products at DePaul University bookstores and in-venue at Wintrust Arena. This creates new opportunities to connect with students, alumni, and fans.

“As we considered adding a sponsor patch to our jerseys, we knew the decision had to be thoughtful and rooted in shared values,” said DePaul Senior Vice President and Director of Athletics DeWayne Peevy. “Desert Cactus is a trusted partner through our merchandise and licensing relationship, and its story reflects so much of what defines us: Chicagoland roots, an entrepreneurial spirit and an underdog mentality. This is far more than a logo on a jersey. It is a year-round partnership built around product innovation, fan engagement and creating meaningful value for both organizations. We are proud to feature a hometown brand on the jerseys of Chicago’s Team.”

“Desert Cactus was built right here in the Chicago area, and it brings us immense pride to bring that hometown spirit onto the court with DePaul,” said Joe Stefani, Co-Founder and President of Desert Cactus. “For us, it’s about showing up for Blue Demons fans, students, and alumni in a real way. We will provide new ways for everyone connected with DePaul Men’s Basketball to access the products they love, and we couldn’t be prouder to do that with a Chicago institution.”

ABOUT DEPAUL ATHLETICS

DePaul’s 15 intercollegiate athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division I, BIG EAST Conference. DePaul University began sponsoring athletics teams in the early 1900’s, with intercollegiate athletics coming to fruition in the 1920’s. Legendary coach Ray Meyer helped put DePaul on the map in the 1970’s as the men’s basketball program helped elevate the university to national prominence. Through a bold new vision for the future, DePaul Athletics looks to become the premier program in the BIG EAST Conference through a focus on winning championships with integrity, building champion students through education and intentional development, and serving as a visible ambassador for DePaul University and the Chicago community. DePaul Athletics has a storied tradition and is uniquely positioned to support the university’s mission and commitment to academic excellence, real-world experience, community engagement, and systemic change. Further, the department is steadfast in its commitment to grow the university’s national exposure and enrollment.

ABOUT DESERT CACTUS

Founded in 2012 and headquartered in the Chicago area, Desert Cactus is a fast-growing ecommerce company. It specializes in officially licensed and custom merchandise. The company holds licensing partnerships with 650+ colleges and universities, the NBA, and the NHL. It also partners with dozens of fraternities and sororities, plus pop culture brands like Peppa Pig, Dungeons & Dragons, and The Transformers.

From the beginning, Desert Cactus has focused on quickly delivering high-quality products that fans crave. With this strong foundation, Desert Cactus has swiftly grown from a Chicagoland startup into one of the country’s fastest-growing licensed product retailers. Today, it delivers quality, affordable gear directly to fans, students, and alumni nationwide. To learn more, visit desertcactuscorporate.com.

Desert Cactus announces a new collection of licensed party products to serve the college market. Based on customer demand, Desert Cactus will now offer college-branded party supplies, including plates, napkins, table covers, and cake toppers. Fans looking for new ways to commemorate milestone events can decorate their celebrations with colorful table accessories. Tailgaters seeking to show their team pride at sporting events can elevate their game day presentation with team-branded serving items.

Desert Cactus secured an initial set of college licenses in 2025, with new licenses coming on board in 2026.