The Univ. of Maryland yesterday "extended its apparel partnership with Under Armour" through the '23-24 school year with a deal that is "worth nearly" $33M, according to a source cited by Roman Stubbs of the WASHINGTON POST. The school said that in addition to UA "continuing to provide apparel, footwear and equipment for the school’s athletic programs, the 10-year partnership extension will also include 'integration into the brand’s marketing, social media, in-store, and grassroots activations.'" The move will "coincide with Maryland’s release of new football uniforms this weekend" against West Virginia. The uniforms are "designed to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Baltimore at Fort McHenry and the writing of 'The Star-Spangled Banner'” (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 9/9). The WASHINGTON TIMES reports lines from Francis Scott Key’s poem, “Defence of Fort McHenry,” will "appear on the helmets and the uniform sleeves below the shoulders." The helmets also will "feature an outline of the star-shaped Fort McHenry filled with a stars-and-stripes pattern." In addition, players’ names will be "replaced by the word 'TRIUMPH' on the back of the jerseys" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 9/10).
FOUNDING FATHER: CSNBALTIMORE.com's Daniel Martin wrote UA and Maryland have "become all but synonymous, thanks to the efforts" of company Founder, Chair & CEO Kevin Plank. UM is "routinely the test case for new uniforms, including a new edition of 'Maryland Pride' football getups unveiled last season that featured hand-painted helmets." UM on Monday announced that new men's and women's basketball uniforms would be "unveiled at this year's 'Midnight Madness' festivities on Oct. 17" (CSNBALTIMORE.com, 9/9).
