The Russell Corporation has signed an agreement to be the exclusive provider of athletic apparel, team uniforms, balls, and sports equipment to all 12 member schools of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the oldest of the Historically Black College and University Conferences. Russell will also become an official sponsor of the CIAA basketball tournament.
With the addition of the CIAA, Russell now has partnerships with the four major Historically Black Athletic Conferences representing 46 schools. The company signed agreements in 2004 with the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC), and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).
“This agreement allows us the opportunity to involve our full range of products and brands beyond the team uniform business,” said Jon Letzler, president and COO. “By including our Russell Athletic, JERZEES, AAI, Huffy Sports, Bike, and Spalding brands, we will have increased brand awareness and sales opportunities across the campuses, including the playing fields and courts as well as the college bookstores.
“This latest agreement also provides the added potential of the CIAA basketball tournament,” added Letzler. “We are excited to be a part of what is widely recognized as one of our country's legendary sporting events.”
Athletic programs included in the agreement are men's and women's basketball, football, baseball, softball, and volleyball. Russell's association with the schools will begin immediately. Member schools of the CIAA are: Bowie State University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, North Carolina Central University, Saint Augustine's College, Saint Paul's College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University.
“We are proud to have Russell as a partner with the CIAA. Russell's extensive brand lineup and the quality of their products speak for themselves,” said CIAA Commissioner Leon Kerry. “This relationship will have such a positive impact for the CIAA member institutions and the student athletes by providing additional scholarship monies. Also, we know the teams will be wearing the best uniforms made.
“Beyond the agreement, I applaud Russell's commitment to the African American community,” Kerry added.
