Syracuse University Athletics signs new contract with Nike

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse University announced that it has inked a new multi-year agreement with Nike (NYSE: NKE) that will keep Syracuse athletes wearing Nike sports apparel and footwear and using its equipment.

Syracuse Director of Athletics John Wildhack discussed this and other Orange topics during a Friday morning news conference in the school’s Iocolano-Petty Football Wing auditorium.

Team members and coaches of all 20 Syracuse varsity sports teams will continue to don the famed Nike swoosh.

“Nike will continue to provide footwear, uniforms, and other apparel for our sports. Nike’s long been recognized as the leader in this space as the number 1 brand and obviously a global brand,” Wildhack said in addressing local reporters.

Syracuse teams, coaches and staff will use Nike-provided products, including gear, uniforms, shoes, and specified equipment and accessories for games, practices, and clinics. Beaverton, Oregon–based Nike will provide increased royalty revenue for all licensed products, performance-based bonuses, and base cash compensation. The agreement also includes the creation of the Nike experiential learning internship program that will provide opportunities for Syracuse students to work at Nike headquarters each summer.

Syracuse didn’t release the financial terms of its new agreement with Nike.

Syracuse’s partnership with Nike started in the 1982-83 season with the men’s basketball program when the Orange donned Nike footwear. The Orange football team began wearing Nike footwear in 1991. In the mid-1990s, Syracuse men’s basketball, football, and men’s lacrosse teams transitioned to Nike uniforms. The remainder of Syracuse’s teams started wearing Nike footwear, uniforms, and apparel beginning in the 2002-03 school year.

“We believe it’s the longest school relationship that Nike has. We’ve done research on that. We can’t find one that’s longer,” said Wildhack.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com