When he first arrived as Rutgers football coach in December 2015, school officials were already in the process of changing its uniforms.
While he said he made “some tweaks and adjustments” before the new Nike uniforms were unveiled last May, the Scarlet Knights coach will now have an opportunity to oversee a new-uniform design from start to finish.
That’s because, after months of negotiations for a new athletic footwear, apparel and accessory brand company, Rutgers came to terms with adidas to outfit all 24 of its athletics teams, including what school officials are terming “new strategic uniforms for the football and basketball teams.”
The deal — which follows a five-year deal with Nike that ends June 30 — was formally announced by Rutgers on Monday morning, one week after NJ Advance Media first reported the university and adidas were closing in on a six-year deal worth just north of $10 million in overall value.
While Rutgers didn’t announce the terms of the deal — NJ Advance Media made a request through the Open Public Records Act for the contract — Athletics Director Pat Hobbs confirmed the deal begins on July 1, 2017, and runs through the 2023-24 athletic season.
Details on the Rutgers-adidas deal
“We are extremely excited about our new partnership with adidas,” Hobbs said in a statement. “We are committed to giving our student-athletes the best to help them on and off the field. adidas is the perfect partner to outfit our players as they compete.”
Ash echoed his boss’ “excitement.”
“We are extremely excited about our new partnership with adidas,” the Scarlet Knights football coach said. “We are committed to giving our student-athletes the best to help them on and off the field. adidas is the perfect partner to outfit our players as they compete.”
In addition to receiving footwear and other apparel and equipment, Rutgers will receive marketing expertise from adidas. Rutgers officials say they will collaborate with adidas on the development of the licensed retail landscape on its Central Jersey campuses.
“Partnering with adidas is the right move at the right time,” Rutgers men’s basketball coach Steve Pikiell said in a statement. “As we embark on this exciting new era under Pat Hobbs, our affiliation with this global leader will strengthen our brand locally, nationally and worldwide. adidas’ track record of outfitting world-class athletes will be a strong asset as we work toward shared excellence. Those three stripes are synonymous with success. We are confident this relationship will help elevate our program and Rutgers Athletics.”
Rutgers women’s basketball coach C. Vivian Stringer has had a long relationship with Nike. In September 2008, Nike named its second child development center after Stringer. The Beaverton, Ore.-based, 35,000 square foot facility is said to include 26 classrooms which provide care, learning and development for nearly 300 children between the ages of six months and five years old.
In a statement, Stringer lauded the adidas partnership.
“adidas is a globally known brand that is committed and enthusiastic about serving the Rutgers Athletics community,” Stringer said. “We look forward to seeing the innovative design for game and team apparel they have in store for the Scarlet Knights.”
Keith Sargeant may be reached at ksargeant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @KSargeantNJ. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.
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