The University of Notre Dame and adidas have entered into a new 10-year agreement in which adidas will continue to supply footwear and apparel for all 26 Irish varsity athletic teams. The new agreement began with the 2004-05 academic year and extends through the 2013-14 seasons. The agreement is worth in excess of $60 million over that 10-year period.
The agreement continues a relationship that began in 1997-98 when adidas began providing footwear for all Notre Dame teams and apparel for many Irish teams. Starting in 2001-02, the arrangement began to include virtually all of Notre Dame's athletic uniforms.
“Quite simply, we couldn't be more excited about our partnership with adidas – both what has gone before and what's ahead,” said Notre Dame athletics director Kevin White. “We've been extremely pleased with what Notre Dame and adidas have been able to accomplish while working together the last eight years, and we fully expect that this extended relationship will only strengthen each of our respective positions. Adidas has been one of our valued Team Notre Dame marketing partners – and the size and scope of our new agreement speak volumes about where our athletic program is currently positioned.”
“Notre Dame is unmatched in its history and legacy in the world of college athletics,” said Martyn Brewer, director of sports marketing for adidas. “Their passion and dedication across all sports in their program is what not only makes them an ideal partner for adidas, but a world class program. We look forward to building on our already strong relationship with such a respected school.”
The agreement with adidas includes the value of all footwear and apparel (game and practice gear) for all of Notre Dame's teams, various complementary marketing segments, as well as a cash component.
“Our relationship with adidas becomes a key element for a program that encompasses 750 student-athletes and 320 scholarships spread across 26 varsity sports. So, the ability to outfit every one of those participants with shoes and apparel through this relationship – and at the same time subsidize grant-in-aid expenses which comprise one-third of our budget — has a major impact in terms of providing assistance to our student-athletes,” said White.
