The NBA just did it.
The league signed an eight-year marketing agreement with Nike that puts the swoosh logo on every uniform. The deal, worth $125 million a year, begins in the 2017-2018 season and ends in 2025-2026.
“We’re excited to bring the full power of our global reach, innovation and creativity to partner with the NBA and grow the game in a way only Nike can,” company President and CEO Mark Parker maintained in a news release. “In Nike, Jordan and Converse we have three of the most connected brands in the world, and look forward to making the global growth of the game a successful strategy for both the NBA and Nike.”
Nike replaces Adidas as the NBA’s official outfitter. The shoe company will also clothe the WNBA and the D-League, and the rights to producing certain gear for consumers. Players retain the right to wear the footwear of their choice.
“This partnership with Nike represents a new paradigm in the structure of our global merchandising business,” holds NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “As our exclusive oncourt apparel provider, Nike will be instrumental in our collective efforts to grow the game globally while applying the latest in technology to the design of our uniforms and oncourt products.”