Could Miami's contract with Nike end?
Nike and the Miami Hurricanes have become synonymous. And it's possible that the two could be parting ways.
Miami first signed a deal with Nike in 1987 and was the first school to sign an all-sports contract with a brand. Since then, Miami has been a Nike school. But the contract between the two is up on August 31 and Under Armour and Adidas have made bids to be Miami's new supplier.
UM Athletic Director Blake James confirmed to the Post 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. As a private institution, UM does not release information on such contracts.
“Right now all I would say is we have a great partner in Nike and as our contract is coming to an end, we’re evaluating the options that are out there and available,” James said.
Earlier in the week, Arizona State announced it was switching from Nike to Adidas, which recently lost Notre Dame to Under Armour and Tennessee to Nike.
According to the Post, Miami would like to announce a new supplier before playing South Carolina in the Independence Bowl on December 27. If Miami does replace Nike, Under Armour seems to us to be the most logical fit for the Hurricanes identity.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
