Univ. Of Miami, Nike Could End Apparel Deal As Under Armour, Adidas Submit Bids

The Univ. of Miami’s 27-year "marriage with Nike -- the first of its kind in college sports -- may be coming to an end," according to Matt Porter of the PALM BEACH POST. UM has "not renewed its contract with Nike," which expires Aug. 31, and adidas and Under Armour "have submitted formidable bids to replace Nike" as the official supplier to UM athletics. UM AD Blake James confirmed that "two undisclosed companies made bids and said Nike has an opportunity to match." The bids submitted by adidas and Under Armour are "believed to be several million dollars per year richer than Nike’s deal with UM." Porter notes all official UM apparel "is made by Nike" (PALM BEACH POST, 12/17). In Miami, Susan Miller Degnan noted UM "just switched" to new football uniforms this season. The jerseys "have been popular among fans, and the uniforms well liked by the players" (MIAMIHERALD.com, 12/16).