Nike reached an agreement on a new seven-year contract Brigham Young University (BYU).
“One of my fondest memories as a player, coach and administrator at BYU is our long-standing, great relationship with Nike,” BYU director of athletics Tom Holmo said in a statement. “From the very start — when LaVell Edwards and Phil Knight became friends in the late ’70s — to the present time, Nike has been a wonderful partner.”
The new agreement more than doubles the annual value of the previous Nike agreement and includes annual cash compensation for BYU Athletics. The royalty rate for licensed BYU-Nike products will also increase revenue for the athletic program. The extension ensures that BYU continues its long-standing partnership with the No. 1 footwear and apparel brand in the world.
Brigham Young University was one of the first universities in the country to join the Nike family by wearing its footwear back in the late 1970s. In 1996, just a year after Nike signed its first apparel contract with the NFL, BYU became one of the first collegiate football teams to wear Nike uniforms and apparel. In 2009, BYU became an all-Nike school, signing a deal that provided footwear, apparel and equipment for all of BYU’s athletic teams.
Brian Santiago BYU Deputy Athletic Director, said, “We are passionate about our relationship with Nike, and providing our student athletes with the best footwear, apparel and equipment in the world. Nike is synonymous with greatness, and in our quest for national relevance, Nike provides our athletes with a competitive edge to be champions.”
Kalani Sitake BYU Head Football Coach, said, “Everyone loves the Nike brand—student-athletes, coaches and recruits. It’s a big deal to have Nike as our partner, providing our players with the best technology available in footwear, apparel and equipment. Being outfitted from head-to-toe by the top brand in the world is very important to us. Nike has been an amazing partner of BYU football for more than 40 years.”
Heather Olmstead BYU Women’s Head Volleyball Coach, said, “Wearing Nike gear helps us in our process of becoming great. We get to compete in the best quality gear at the highest level. We love Nike.”
Phil Knight Nike Co-Founder and current Chairman Emeritus, said, “We’ve had a relationship with BYU for nearly 40 years now. We don’t have a better relationship in the country, than the one we have with BYU. We are very proud of it. We love the relationship and the program.”
Kit Morris Nike Senior Director of College Sports Marketingm said, “We are very proud of our long-standing association with BYU Athletics, and we look forward to continued support of its student-athletes with Nike footwear, apparel, and equipment.”
Brent Braden Nike Director of College Sports Marketing, said, “BYU continues to be the measure when it comes to partnership. Every step in the process was personal, relational; they don’t think ‘transactionally.’ It will be a pleasure to collaborate with them for many, many years.”
Image courtesy Brigham Young University
