The Southern Conference and Ingles Extend Longtime Partnership
The Southern Conference’s partnership with Ingles Markets originated in 2014
SPARTANBURG, SC – The Southern Conference (SoCon) and Ingles Markets announced today a multi-year extension to one of the longest running corporate partnerships in the league’s history.
The extension reinforces a shared commitment to supporting student-athletes, enhancing championship experiences and growing the visibility of Southern Conference athletics across the region.
“We are proud to extend our partnership with Ingles Markets, a brand that is synonymous with many SoCon Championships,” said SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross. “The vision and dedication of Melissa Leavell make this collaboration exceptionally strong, and we truly appreciate the continued willingness to invest in our student-athletes and institutions. We love working with Ingles because their commitment to this region is as genuine as their "low prices, love the savings" promise. ‘It's all here!’ in the Southern Conference and the support Ingles provides continues to advance the SoCon as an exceptional mid-major conference.”
The Southern Conference’s partnership with Ingles Markets originated in 2014. With the extension in place, Ingles will remain an Official Corporate Partner of the SoCon with category exclusivity in grocery, gas, and pharmacy – while also maintaining Ingles’ role as the title sponsor of the annual Ingles Southern Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships in Asheville, NC. Ingles has been the title sponsor of the league’s premier event since 2018.
Ingles’ branding and storytelling will continue to be featured across broadcast, digital, in-venue, and community activations connected to SoCon events, along with marketing initiatives and fan engagement programs throughout the conference footprint.
The collaboration will further support student-athlete recognition programs, conference awards, and special initiatives tied to SoCon basketball and championship events.
“Our partnership with The Southern Conference is the centerpiece for our commitment to community through college athletics,” said Ingles Markets Advertising Director Melissa Leavell. “The Ingles Southern Conference Basketball Championship is one of Asheville’s premier events, bringing the top athletic ability to the court and highlighting our incredible hometown. We are so happy to extend our relationship well into the future with the Southern Conference.”
About The Southern Conference
The Southern Conference, headquartered in Spartanburg, S.C., includes ten member institutions across six states: The Citadel, East Tennessee State University, Furman University, Mercer University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Samford University, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Virginia Military Institute, Western Carolina University, and Wofford College. Tennessee Tech University will join the SoCon as a full member for the 2026-27 season.
About Ingles Markets, Incorporated
Ingles Markets, Incorporated is a leading grocer with operations in six southeastern states. Headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina, the Company operates 197 supermarkets. At December 27, 2025, three of the four stores temporarily closed due to damage sustained in Hurricane Helene remained closed, but are expected to reopen during 2026 and 2027. In conjunction with its supermarket operations, the Company operates neighborhood shopping centers, most of which contain an Ingles supermarket. The Company also owns a fluid dairy facility that supplies Ingles supermarkets and unaffiliated customers. To learn more about Ingles Markets visit ingles-markets.com