University of Kansas Athletics Signs Sponsorship, Product Agreement with adidas
April 24, 2005
PORTLAND, Ore. –
One of America’s top collegiate athletics programs has agreed to team up with one of the world’s leading sports footwear and apparel companies.
University of Kansas Athletics Director Lew Perkins announced today that KU and adidas have agreed to one of the largest footwear and apparel partnerships in college athletics – an eight-year sponsorship and product-allowance agreement worth $26.67 million.
Beginning this fall, each of the Jayhawks’ 18 intercollegiate athletics teams will wear adidas footwear, uniforms, apparel and accessories. The Jayhawks join an outstanding group of universities that have similar agreements with adidas, including Notre Dame, UCLA, Tennessee, Indiana, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Louisville and Pittsburgh. In addition, adidas recently extended its multi-tiered marketing partnership with Major League Baseball’s New York Yankees.
“adidas has found that with partnerships such as this one with the University of Kansas, both parties involved understand all the intangible aspects that make this type of relationship mutually beneficial,” stated Tim Haney, Director of License Properties for adidas America. “Everyone at adidas is very excited about the unlimited possibilities in partnering with a university as rich in tradition as Kansas.”
“We are excited and proud of our new partnership with adidas,” Perkins said. “The quality of the product and their dedication to service – to all our teams – makes adidas a terrific fit for Kansas. Their substantial commitment clearly demonstrates their understanding of the tremendous value of the entire KU athletics program.”
New Jayhawks’ adidas gear arrives in stores throughout the month of August. Fans can purchase a wide range of products that include sideline gear, coaches’ polo shirts, hats, jackets and outerwear.
About adidas-Salomon AG:
adidas is a global designer, developer and marketer of athletic footwear, apparel and accessories with the mission to be the leading sports brand in the world. adidas America is a subsidiary of adidas-Salomon AG, a corporation that also includes sports brands Salomon, TaylorMade, Bonfire and Mavic.
