The University of Connecticut and its Division of Athletics has extended its exclusive sponsorship agreement with Nike through the 2022-23 academic year.
Nike will continue to provide UConn teams with uniforms, apparel, footwear, practice gear and equipment in addition to making cash payments to the school.
Nike first became the exclusive provider to UConn in 2008 – the first-ever all-sports deal in school history.
“UConn is very proud of the relationship we have had with Nike over the years and now we can look forward to that continuing in the future,” said UConn Director of Athletics David Benedict. “The Nike agreement allows our student-athletes to practice and compete with premier sportswear and equipment and also provides our university with important financial resources.”
The new extension of the UConn-Nike relationship sees an increase in Nike’s commitment to the school in terms of the retail value of the annual product allotment. The total value of the contract to the University from 2017-23 in combined product and cash is $32.45 million.
“I was thrilled to hear that UConn will be continuing its long-standing partnership with Nike,” said women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma, whose teams have won 11 NCAA national championship. “Over the years, this relationship has been extremely beneficial to my team and the athletic department at large. I look forward to UConn benefiting from Nike’s innovations for years to come.”
“It’s wonderful that we will continue our association with Nike for years to come,” said men’s basketball coach Kevin Ollie, who led his team to the 2014 NCAA national championship – one of four won by UConn. “Nike is the No. 1 name in college athletics and has been a big part of the success that we have enjoyed here at UConn. We couldn’t ask for a more supportive partner as we move forward.”
“Nike has been an important part of the development of UConn football and it has given us an important association with their national brand,” said football coach Randy Edsall, who has led UConn to five bowl appearances and two conference championships. “We have won championships wearing Nike gear and I am looking forward to that happening again. I am very happy that UConn and Nike will be partners in the future.”
“Our student-athletes, coaches and staff are extremely happy with the Nike product line,” said Benedict. “The Huskies have enjoyed many championship moments in Nike ware and look forward to more in the future.”
Photo courtesy UConn
