BYU Announces New Nike Partnership

>BYU-NIKE PARTNERSHIP WEBSITE

PROVO, Utah  — BYU director of athletics Tom Holmoe announced today that BYU Athletics and Nike, Inc., have reached an agreement on a new seven-year contract to continue its all-sport footwear, apparel and equipment partnership through 2025-26.

BYU was one of the first universities in the country to join the Nike family by wearing its footwear back in the late-1970s. That partnership with BYU football dates back to a friendship between BYU Hall of Fame football coach LaVell Edwards, Nike executive Bill Kellar and Nike co-founder Phil Knight.

“One of my fondest memories as a player, coach and administrator at BYU is our long-standing, great relationship with Nike,” Holmoe said. “From the very start—when LaVell Edwards and Phil Knight became friends in the late 70s—to the present time, Nike has been a wonderful partner.”

The new agreement more than doubles the annual value of the previous Nike agreement and includes annual cash compensation for BYU Athletics. The royalty rate for licensed BYU-Nike products will also increase revenue for the athletic program. The extension ensures that BYU continues its long-standing partnership with the No. 1 footwear and apparel brand in the world.

“We are very proud of our long-standing association with BYU Athletics,” Nike senior director of college sports marketing Kit Morris said. “We look forward to continued support of its student-athletes with Nike footwear, apparel, and equipment.”

This new agreement is the next step in a partnership that began more than four decades ago and has steadily grown over the years. In 1996, just a year after Nike signed its first apparel contract with the NFL, BYU became one of the first collegiate football teams to wear Nike uniforms and apparel. That season would become historic as the Cougars finished with a 14-1 record and a No. 5 ranking in the final polls.

Beginning with football in 1999, many BYU teams have become part of the Nike Elite program. In 2009, BYU became an all-Nike school, signing a deal that provided footwear, apparel and equipment for all of BYU’s athletic teams.

“We are passionate about our relationship with Nike, and providing our student-athletes with the best footwear, apparel and equipment in the world,” BYU deputy athletic director Brian Santiago said. “Nike is synonymous with greatness, and in our quest for national relevance, Nike provides our athletes with a competitive edge to be champions.”

For additional information about the new Nike-BYU contract, including historical background on the more than 40-year relationship, visit the BYU-NIKE partnership website.