Russell Athletic and the Western Kentucky University Athletic Department announced a five-year, $3.5 million renewal to supply athletic apparel for its intercollegiate athletic teams and partner on new uniform designs and technology. The extension, which will run from July 1, 2016 –   June 30, 2021 and represents a significant increase from the previous deal, allows Western Kentucky to continue providing student-athletes with uniforms, sideline, workout and travel apparel from Russell Athletic®.

Coming off of a thrilling 49-48 overtime victory vs. Central Michigan in the 2014 Bahamas Bowl, the WKU football team is looking forward to continued success during the 2015 season, boasting one of the nation's most high-powered offenses. A redesign of the Hilltoppers' football uniform, as well as other teams, will be part of the new extension.

“Western Kentucky and Russell Athletic have experienced a truly unique partnership being headquartered so close to one another, and we are thrilled to continue working with such a successful athletic department and coaching staff,” said Russell Athletic Senior Vice President, General Manager Robby Davis.  “This partnership continues our mission as a premier team provider of collegiate athletics, and we look forward to the next five years as the Official Uniform and Apparel Provider to Western Kentucky Athletics.”

Russell Athletic has been an official partner of Western Kentucky since 2007, a period that has seen the Hilltoppers rise to national prominence and solidify themselves within Conference USA. In that span, both groups have worked closely together on advanced uniform and product designs that have allowed athletes throughout the program to perform to the highest of their ability.

“On behalf of our entire athletics department, I want to thank Russell Athletic for their continued loyalty and dedication to all of our programs,” WKU Director of Athletics Todd Stewart said. “Russell Athletic has always strived to provide our student-athletes with the most advanced state-of-the-art uniforms and apparel to compete at the highest level. Their impact on each of our programs has been significant, and their confidence and support of WKU Athletics throughout our transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision level played a vital role in enabling us to have a successful transition. WKU and Russell Athletic are both proud members of the Bowling Green community, and we are excited to continue this terrific partnership.”