Northwestern University and Under Armour, Inc. announced a new multiyear partnership that designates Under Armour as the official outfitter of the university’s athletic program. The partnership represents Under Armour's first outfitter agreement with an athletic program that competes in the Big Ten Conference.

Under Armour, the leader in performance apparel, footwear and accessories, will outfit all of Northwestern's 19 men's and women's varsity athletic teams beginning in the 2012-13 season. The comprehensive partnership also includes marketing and promotional rights.

“Under Armour highly values our new partnership with this prestigious institution and we look forward to working with Northwestern University to advance their distinguished athletic tradition,” said Kevin Plank, Founder and CEO of Under Armour.

“We're proud to mark our first Big Ten Conference partnership with a program built on strong values,” said Matt Mirchin, Senior Vice President of Global Sports Marketing, Under Armour. “With a passionate fan base and a commitment to winning, Northwestern University is an ideal partner for the brand.”

“We're thrilled about our new partnership with Under Armour,” said Jim Phillips, Northwestern’s Director of Athletics and Recreation. “It's a marriage of two world-renowned brands that will greatly benefit our student-athletes and our programs as they compete to win Big Ten and national championships. Under Armour apparel, footwear and equipment offers our teams the best innovations and latest technologies to ensure we have a competitive advantage on the field of play.”

Under Armour’s first partnership with an athletic program in the distinguished Big Ten Conference extends the brand’s commitment to growing its on-field presence and showcasing its products at the highest levels of athletic competition. The brand currently outfits Division I varsity collegiate sports teams in the SEC, ACC, Big East, Pac 12 and the Big 12. The programs include Maryland, Boston College, Texas Tech, South Florida and Auburn.