Nike To Outfit All 18 Univ. Of Memphis Athletic Teams

Nike Will Outfit The Univ. Of Memphis' 18  Varsity Teams In A Deal Worth $11.3M

Univ. of Memphis and Nike officials yesterday said that they "have agreed in principle on a deal to outfit each of the school's athletic teams," according to Jim Masilak of the Memphis COMMERCIAL APPEAL. UM AD R.C. Johnson said that the "all-encompassing nature of the five-year, $11.3[M] deal, which takes place immediately, is rare among schools from outside the established power conferences." Johnson: "The contract is unbelievable and we're really proud of it. It's a prestigious thing. It speaks volumes about our coaching staff and speaks volumes about our boosters and our fans." The deal "will see Nike supply game and practice gear and apparel for each of [UM's] 18 varsity teams." Once the "outfitting costs are determined, the remaining cash will go to the athletic department for disbursement as it sees fit." With "about 1,600 employees and a new 1.2 million-square foot distribution center, Memphis is Nike's "second-largest operational center in the country." Nike Dir of Community & Business Development Willie Gregory said the company "continues to invest in Memphis." Masilak notes UM had been "serviced by a number of companies through sport-specific contracts." While Nike "provided equipment for [UM's] football and women's basketball teams, the school also had deals with adidas, Bridgestone and Under Armour for various sports" (Memphis COMMERCIAL-APPEAL, 11/13).