Arizona State "is close to finalizing" an apparel deal with adidas "that would begin" in '15-16, according to a source cited by Jeff Metcalfe of the ARIZONA REPUBLIC. However, ASU VP/Athletics Ray Anderson on Thursday said negotiations are still in a "sensitive and confidential phase." Anderson, on his weekly radio show, said that an opportunity for ASU "to continue outfitting its teams with Nike gear is 'perhaps still out there' and that he would have something 'more definitive' to announce in the next few weeks." Metcalfe notes ASU is "in the seventh year of its latest contract with Nike," worth $2.11M in equipment and cash for '14-15. Nike and ASU "have been partners" since '04 "after a five-year ASU run with Adidas ended." The university's contract with Nike "expires June 30, 2015." Anderson and ASU Associate VP & Chief Business Development Officer Greg McElroy "have been negotiating with Nike, Adidas and Under Armour, looking for the most lucrative deal to help fund ASU's ambitious athletic agenda." Citing industry rankings, Metcalfe notes seven of the most valuable 15 college apparel contracts "are with Adidas." If ASU "doubles its annual apparel revenue" to $4M with a new contract, it would "move into the top 10 nationally and second behind UCLA among known Pac-12 contracts." All Pac-12 schools "are with Nike," with the exception of UCLA (ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 12/5).
