LA is now a Nike and Jordan Brand school. The deal, which begins July 1, 2021, covers six years, shorter than most university apparel sponsorships. The basketball and football teams will wear Jordan Brand, while the school’s other 22 varsity teams will wear Nike. Retail merchandise will be available next fall.
How We Got Here: The Nike and Jordan agreement comes following a drawn-out saga with UCLA’s previous apparel partner Under Armour.
In June, Under Armour announced it was terminating its 15-year, $280 million sponsorship of UCLA four years in, stating it was “paying for marketing benefits that we have not received for an extended time period.”
The school sued Under Armour in August seeking more than $200 million in damages. The Bruins are still wearing Under Armour on the field this football season, but they cover up the company’s logo with a team patch.
The deal now gives each Power 5 conference a Jordan Brand school:
ACC: North Carolina
Big Ten: Michigan
Big 12: Oklahoma
SEC: Florida
Outside of the Power 5, the brand has agreements with Houston, Marquette, San Diego State and Georgetown.
