Nike to Become NBA's New Apparel Provider, Will Feature Logo on Uniforms
Nike has long been one of the hottest brands in sports, and its profile will grow even more beginning in 2017 after signing a new eight-year deal with the NBA.
According to Bleacher Report's Jared Zwerling, Nike will manufacture all on-court apparel for the league beginning in the 2017-18 season.
Nike will also have the benefit of unprecedented advertising power, as its logo will be the first ever to appear on NBA uniforms, according to Zwerling.
Following the announcement, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver discussed the benefits that the league will enjoy from joining forces with Nike, per NBA.com:
"This partnership with Nike represents a new paradigm in the structure of our global merchandising business. As our exclusive on-court 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 on-court products.
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In addition to its deal with the NBA, Nike will also have a larger presence in the WNBA and NBA Development League.
The move doesn't come as much of a surprise, considering Nike is the most valuable apparel brand in the world, according to BrandZ.
It was also announced in March that the NBA and Adidas would end their partnership following the 2016-17 campaign. Per Brian Mahoney of the Associated Press (h/t NBA.com), Adidas released a statement suggesting that teaming with the NBA was no longer a viable option.
"While we have enjoyed a successful long-term relationship with the league, we continually review our partner agreements to ensure they are meeting out investment and delivering on our brand and business needs," the statement said.
Since Nike has shoe deals with so many top NBA stars, such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony, per Kurt Badenhausen of Forbes.com, partnering with the league itself is a natural progression.
Nike already has a similar deal with the NFL, and its agreement with the NBA means the gap between Nike and its competitors is widening even more.
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