The University of South Carolina is saying goodbye to Under Armour after an almost 20-year relationship. Beginning July 1, the school’s 21 Gamecock athletic programs will be outfitted by Nike as part of a 10-year deal.
The agreement calls for a provision of $500,000 in cash every year, adding up to $5 million over 10 years. USC is also guaranteed $70 million in retail product allotments and $2.5 million in supplemental equipment. A royalty rate of 15% of net sales provides additional income.
Nike’s investment in Gamecock athletes and merchandise goes well beyond a cash spend. The Football program will play in Vapor F.U.S.E. uniforms and will get elite cleated footwear that NFL players also use. The Women’s basketball team will wear the new, advanced Paris chassis, which Team USA will wear at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The programs will also have alternate uniforms tailored to represent the state of South Carolina.
Of special note is Nike’s plan to integrate A’ja Wilson, the USC legend and current WNBA superstar, into Gamecock basketball. The league’s second leading scorer in career points and fourth in rebounding has a signature line and related marketing valued at $3 million. Special South Carolina-themed products can be expected to drop with Wilson branding.
Students, alumni, and fans can look forward to purchasing official Nike Gamecock gear when the new partnership takes effect in July 2026. In addition to uniforms, the exclusive Nike Basketball and Football PEs will also help energize South Carolina athletes in their competition and help make the change to the Swoosh both cultural and competitive.
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