Michigan-Nike partnership announced

A Michigan-Nike partnership was announced in July 2015. It began Aug. 1, 2016 and will run until 2027 with a university option to extend the relationship to 2031. Nike is supplying all 31 Wolverine teams with uniforms, footwear, apparel and equipment, while the partners also will collaborate on innovation initiatives in sports technology, design and best practices. The agreement is valued at $173.8 million.

“[Nike’s] brand strength is undeniable,” said Interim Athletic Director Jim Hackett. “The achievement they’ve attained in brand identity is legendary. That came through loud and clear.”

The men’s and women’s basketball teams will use the Jordan Brand “Jumpman” apparel that sprang from NBA superstar Michael Jordan. The U-M football team became the very first football team in the country to have an exclusive Jordan Brand partnership.

U-M’s current athletic director, Warde Manuel, explained, “The Jordan Brand represents the best in the business—the leader in innovation, enabling our student-athletes to perform at the highest level. The Jordan Brand continues the legacy of Michael Jordan, and Michael builds his legacy on the same qualities that we have here at the University of Michigan. The legacy transcends sports, and we are excited to be the first football team in the country to wear Jumpman.”