Look for the University of Miami Hurricanes to be scoring touchdowns this fall in cleats bearing the logo of Adidas instead of their longstanding partner, Nike.
The University of Miami athletics department just signed a 12-year partnership with Adidas, the longest deal the athletic giant has signed with any collegiate program. According to ESPN, the contract has the potential to become the most lucrative in the history of Hurricanes athletics.
This is not the first record-breaking athletic alliance for the university. Way back in 1987 — 25 years ago — it was the first school to sign an all-sports contract with an athletic brand.
So far, neither side has revealed the financial terms of the agreement. According to the Associated Press, however, it is worth “multiple” times more than the deal the school had with Nike, which opted not to match Adidas’ offer.
According to a report in the Sun Sentinel, Adidas officials had been pursuing the university for nearly six years, during its association with Nike. Although the contract doesn’t officially kick off until Sept. 1, Adidas officials have been meeting with Hurricanes coaches to begin working on details for shoes, uniforms and equipment. A key focus will likely be making sure the Hurricanes teams are outfitted in their new gear when their new seasons begin.
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The deal has three components, according to ESPN: cash going to Miami each year, an allotment of merchandise for the school’s athletic programs and a marketing agreement. Other elements may still be added to the partnership, which extends through June 30. 2027.
The University of Miami can now be added to Adidas’ string of collegiate affiliations. It has deals with Kansas, Indiana, UCLA, among others.
With Nike out of the picture at Miami, could there be another university in its future?
