HanesBrands signed a new primary apparel partnership with The University of Minnesota. The ten-year strategic agreement gives HBI exclusive rights to design, manufacture and distribute fanwear across mass and campus/local retail channels.
The HBI collections include men’s, women’s, unisex, youth, infant, and toddler fan apparel. HanesBrands will also create unique activations and enhanced retail presentations. Along with the Champion and Hanes brands, the eco-forward Alternative Apparel and ComfortWash brands are included in the collegiate apparel program.
“As one of the ten largest U.S. universities and an original member of the Big Ten Conference, The University of Minnesota has made its mark on the Midwest and across the world, with dedicated alums and a strong fanbase that revolves around both sports prowess and academic leadership,” said John Fryer, president of Licensed Sports Apparel for Hanesbrands. “We’re proud to enter this long-term partnership to create dynamic, responsibly made apparel that Golden Gopher fans will love.”
Minnesota joins The University of Michigan, Clemson, Auburn, The University of Southern California, The University of Texas, The Ohio State University, and other schools with exclusive HBI mass retail partnerships. In addition, more than a dozen universities have primary apparel partnerships with HBI, including The University of Texas, The University of Cincinnati, The Ohio State University, and The University of Georgia.
The University’s new partnership with HanesBrands follows a detailed analysis of the University’s trademark licensing program and a competitive proposal process completed in conjunction with the University’s exclusive licensing agent, CLC.
