Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
We inform. You decide.
Thursday, March 28, 2024
<p>Former Gator James Smith models the new Nike Pro Combat uniform at a news conference in the O’Connell Center, the Gators wore the uniforms in a 2009 game against Florida State.</p>

Former Gator James Smith models the new Nike Pro Combat uniform at a news conference in the O’Connell Center, the Gators wore the uniforms in a 2009 game against Florida State.

While the University of Miami made a big splash jumping from Nike to Adidas, the University of Florida barely made a ripple in re-upping with the apparel giant that has outfitted it since 1999.

In mid-January, the Portland Business Journal first reported Florida had quietly extended its apparel deal with Nike to April 1, 2024. It was originally set to expire in 2017.

According to a contract first obtained by the PBJ via public records request, Florida is set to receive $3.1 million in apparel during the first year of the new agreement starting July 1, 2014. The amount will increase to $3.5 million by the final year of the agreement, increasing by $200,000 every two years.

Athletics director Jeremy Foley signed the agreement on Sept. 8, 2014.

Florida does not receive a cash payment from Nike, but does get $255,000 in merchandise for discretionary use, typically to outfit employees.

Florida’s previous extension with Nike set the school up to get between $2-$2.1 million in apparel over the final four years of the deal through 2017, this new extension increases that amount by over $1 million.

It’s a necessary play by Nike which is receiving shots across the bow from Under Armour and Adidas. While they may not have as many schools signed as Nike, they have shown they will pay top dollar to poach college sports’ heavy hitters.

Under Armour reportedly paid Notre Dame between $90-$100 million to outfit the Fighting Irish over 10 years, and Adidas has a deal with Michigan valued at over $80 million.

The details of Miami’s agreement with Adidas were not disclosed but a source told the Associated Press it was “multiple times” what Miami was receiving from Nike. 

Follow Richard Johnson on Twitter @RagjUF

Former Gator James Smith models the new Nike Pro Combat uniform at a news conference in the O’Connell Center, the Gators wore the uniforms in a 2009 game against Florida State.

Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox
Support your local paper
Donate Today
The Independent Florida Alligator has been independent of the university since 1971, your donation today could help #SaveStudentNewsrooms. Please consider giving today.

Powered by SNworks Solutions by The State News
All Content © 2024 The Independent Florida Alligator and Campus Communications, Inc.