The University of Michigan has reached an agreement in principle with Nike to become the Wolverines’ official athletic footwear, apparel and equipment provider to 2027, with an option to extend the deal to 2031.
The partnership commences Aug. 1, 2016, and will see Nike supply all 31 of U-M’s athletics programs with uniforms, footwear, apparel and equipment.
U-M and Nike also will collaborate throughout the agreement on innovation initiatives in sports technology, design and best practices.
“After careful consideration, the right partner for the University of Michigan was Nike,” said Interim Athletic Director Jim Hackett. “This decision, this partnership is about more than Michigan athletics; at the core, it is about our university community and it is about two great names reuniting for an opportunity that speaks to more than uniforms and apparel.
“Nike is a recognized leader in its field when it comes to product innovation and we look forward to future collaboration.”
Michigan aspires to unlock new possibilities for the entire U-M community with the partnership including student internships at Nike headquarters and community events.
The agreement includes use of the Jordan Brand “Jumpman” apparel and footwear for men’s and women’s basketball.
Fans will be able to purchase officially licensed Michigan gear produced by Nike once the partnership commences in August 2016. The M Den is the official retailer of Michigan Athletics and will be among the first retailers to feature the new apparel.
“The University of Michigan ranks high among the world’s great institutions of higher learning and enjoys a rich, tradition-laden history in college sports. Nike is especially proud to partner with the Wolverines and have the opportunity once again to work with Michigan student-athletes, coaches, and staff. We eagerly look forward to bringing out the best in each other,” said Joaquin Hidalgo, vice president and general manager of Nike North America.
U-M has partnered with adidas since 2007 and will continue to work with the brand for the duration of the contract.
Dustin Suntheimer
Although I am not in the business of making jerseys or shoes, I do perform my due diligence when it comes to sourcing any major purchase. How can UM Athletics support child labor in third world countries? How can they condone squalid conditions? I believe we have the power to help those kids and it should be part of the contract: http://www.commondreams.org/headlines01/1020-01.htm
Chris Jenson
God help you Dustin, for no one has told you how money talks.
Maybe post a current reference instead of one from 14 years ago.
Till Eulenspiegel
Perhaps the PR folks at the Athletic Department should go to class and learn to spell: “in principLE”!
Jamie Iseler
Thank you for your input. We have fixed the typo in this version of the story.
K Craig
Why can’t people be civil with each other? Are we all out to hurt or belittle our fellow man/woman and cause more problems in this world that already has plenty?
Robert E. Taylor
I have not purchased a Nike product for over 30 years, since the shoes washed up in Washington and their practices became well known. I have supported my alma mater since graduation. I normally purchase 2-3 items of UM apparel per year, normally when I return to the great State of Michigan. I did not purchase Michigan Nike apparel during the former contract nor will I do so during the duration of this one. Money isn’t everything.
MR. B.
Nike makes great quality clothes & shoes Robert which you clearly don’t get and your claims about Nike are baseless without facts and proof. Can’t wait to get Michigan Nike clothes in 54 days come Aug I bought many Michigan apparel when they were with Nike. I doubt that you didn’t buy Michigan gear with Adidas on it either my peteeve with Adidas was getting Maize color wrong 7 out of 6 years and I don’t buy that Nike had the copyright of Maize which you can’t copyright a color you can a word but not a color.
950 Design
thank goodness it’s almost here. I can’t imagine a worse collection of apparel than what we experienced for the last 9 years.
MR. B.
Only 54 more days until Michigan will finally come back home to Nike which they shouldn’t have left Nike after 2007-08 school year for Adidas that was a big mistake. My peteeve was that Adidas got the Maize wrong 7 out of 8 years and I don’t buy it that Nike copyrighted maize since you can’t copyright a color the word said but not the color.