Russell has signed an agreement with the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference to supply athletic apparel, team uniforms, balls and sports equipment to nine teams in the southeast. The company announced in April it had signed agreements with the Southwestern Athletic Conference and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference that represent a total of 21 schools.

“We are pleased to reach an agreement with the MEAC that we believe will be beneficial to the conference, its schools and to our business. We now have relationships with three of the major Historically Black Conferences and will be working with 30 schools beginning this fall,” said Jon Letzler, president and COO. “By using our portfolio of brands, we are able to work with the schools in a variety of ways. In addition to the uniforms and equipment for their various sports teams, we will also be providing licensed product for their college bookstores and working with them on retail opportunities as well.”

“This is a win-win for Russell Corporation and our participating institutions,” said MEAC Commissioner Dr. Dennis Thomas. “We are elated to know that a company of Russell's stature understands the economic value of our universities. This kind of corporate partnership was long overdue and we respect Russell for taking the leadership position and having the financial vision to execute it. Given today's athletic marketplace, it is important to open up additional revenue streams such as this partnership.”