McMaster Univ. has signed its "biggest sponsorship package to date," as several of the Hamilton, Ontario-based school's athletic teams, including the men's basketball team, "will be outfitted in Nike gear starting next season," according to Scott Radley of the HAMILTON SPECTATOR. McMaster AD Jeff Giles said, "The terms are quite substantial. It probably sets a new standard in Canada." Radley reports as part of the five-year deal, McMaster will "have the rights to use" Nike's Jordan Brand apparel for the basketball team's uniforms. The other Jordan Brand endorsers are North Carolina, Georgetown, Marquette and Cal. In addition to "providing uniforms, travel gear, shoes and practice attire for the basketball, football, soccer, track and cross-country teams plus all staff attire, Nike ... is paying a fee for their gear to be worn." The school "may eventually dress more of its teams in Nike gear over the five years of the arrangement." Giles said that bringing in such a "big-name partner will almost certainly attract other sponsors" (HAMILTON SPECTATOR, 2/7).
