The University of Cincinnati Athletics Department announced an apparel agreement with BSN Sports. Within the deal, Cincinnati has elected to equip its programs with Jordan Brand and Nike products. The Bearcats were slated to wear Under Armour through 2024.
The partnership will make BSN Sports the Bearcats’ exclusive provider of apparel, footwear and other equipment.
“This is a monumental moment for our more than 450 student-athletes and our entire athletic department. It was important for us to have stability in our apparel provider for years to come and to have a partner solidified as we joined the Big 12 this summer,” Director of Athletics John Cunningham said. “Too many of our fans, Jordan Brand represents the quintessential jersey of one of the top stretches in the history of Cincinnati basketball, while Nike has proved to be the driving force in athletics apparel innovation for decades. I can’t wait to have the Swoosh and Jumpman logos join with our C-Paw marks once again.”
Cincinnati has partnered with BSN Sports since 2021.
Todd Northrop, vice president of the BSN Sports Collegiate Select Program, said, “The BSN Sports Collegiate Select team is proud of the opportunity to join Nike and the Jordan Brand in outfitting this exciting new chapter for Cincinnati Bearcat Athletics. It will remain our foremost goal to bring unmatched service and partnership to each and every coach so they can continue focusing solely on the success of their student-athletes.”
“The service model that the Collegiate Select division of BSN Sports provides is unparalleled and has continued to help us perform at a high level,” said Greg Bruner, associate athletics director for Equipment Operations. “We believe the partnership solidifies our mission to impact the lives of our student-athletes, connect to our community, and enhance our University.”
The Baltimore Business Journal first reported in 2020 that Under Armour and the University of Cincinnati agreed to a buyout of their $50 million sponsorship deal. In 2021, Under Armour paid UC a $9.75 million exit fee. The school’s product supply agreement with Under Armour will end in June, 2024, which is one year earlier than the prior agreement was scheduled to end. The Bearcats signed an agreement with Under Armour in 2015.
