Nike Inc. announced an extension of its five-decade partnership with LSU (Louisiana State University) to 2036 while also launching Nike Blue Ribbon Elite, a new NIL program.

Nike describes Blue Ribbon Elite as a “first-of-its-kind program that represents a broad portfolio of athletes across disciplines, reimagining the NIL space by providing schools and athletes an unmatched level of collaboration that prioritizes the future of sport and athlete identity.”

The program launches with the signing of 10 LSU Tiger athletes to Nike’s NIL roster. The name of the program harks back to Nike’s original name, Blue Ribbon Sports.

“LSU and Nike are two of the top brands in sport and an ideal duo. We are both continuously looking to innovate and stay ahead of the game, and that’s what we intend to do in the future with this extended partnership,” said Verge Ausberry, director of athletics, LSU. “LSU has always been at the forefront of NIL strategy, and as the launchpad for Nike Blue Ribbon Elite, we look forward to working with Nike to offer our student-athletes unrivaled opportunities to capitalize on their brands.”

Joining Nike’s growing roster of roughly 50 elite NIL athletes are:

  • Kailin Chio, Gymnastics
  • Derek Curiel, Baseball
  • Tori Edwards, Softball
  • Casan Evans, Baseball
  • Trey’Dez Green, Football
  • Jayden Heavener, Softball
  • ZaKiyah Johnson, Basketball
  • DJ Pickett, Football
  • Jurnee Robinson, Volleyball
  • Dedan Thomas Jr., Basketball

Beyond brand representation, the Blue Ribbon Elite program will enable student-athletes to collaborate with Nike through brand campaigns, product innovation and creative direction.

Recent examples include centering Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams in marketing at Dick’s Sporting Goods stores throughout the state; dozens of USC and UCLA athletes featuring in the debut NikeSKIMS campaign, and Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey introducing the Giannis Freak 7 ahead of their rookie NBA season.

Nike’s NIL partnerships also extend to athlete-centered design and innovation, such as Paige Bueckers becoming the first NIL athlete to unveil a Nike Player Edition basketball sneaker; as well as the brand’s support for athletes supporting causes, including Jerzy Robinson’s 2024 Back to School giveaway and JuJu Watkins’ Watts Neighborhood Giveback.

“The best part of this is being able to join Nike alongside my fellow Tiger athletes in other sports,” says Jurnee Robinson, an all-conference outside hitter on the volleyball team. “We don’t always see each other a lot because we’re all in different seasons, but being able to bond with them through the Swoosh is really great, and I’m excited for what we’ll do together.”

“I feel like what’s special about Nike is how well they take care of their athletes,” says Dedan Thomas Jr., a guard on the basketball squad. “There’s a reason Nike is known for being at the forefront of athlete marketing. It feels really good to be a partner with the brand now, and I’m excited to see what we do with the shared values we have.”

“College sport is woven into Nike’s DNA, and we’ve always believed its future should be shaped in lockstep with athletes,” says Ann Miller, EVP, global sports marketing. “Renewing our partnership with LSU and welcoming 10 new NIL athletes is about more than gear. It’s about collaboration, creativity and meaningful impact, giving athletes a platform to influence product, innovation, storytelling and culture. LSU and these athletes aren’t just representing Nike — they’re helping us redefine what partnership means in this new era of college sport.”