Michigan Announces Uniform Deal with Nike Through 2027

Nike will supply the Michigan Wolverines' 31 sports teams with uniforms, apparel and equipment beginning on August 1, 2016, and continue to do so until 2027. The university has an option to prolong the Nike arrangement until 2031 as well.     

A news release from Michigan's official athletics website confirmed the development and featured comments from interim athletics director Jim Hackett:

"

After careful consideration, the right partner for the University of Michigan was NIKE...This decision, this partnership is about more than Michigan athletics; at the core, it is about our University community and it is about two great names reuniting for an opportunity that speaks to more than uniforms and apparel. NIKE is a recognized leader in its field when it comes to product innovation and we look forward to future collaboration.

"

Angelique Chengelis of the Detroit News reported the Nike deal is the largest in the country among colleges and all three proposals would make Michigan the highest, according to interim athletic director Jim Hackett.

On July 15, Darren Rovell of ESPN reported the deal was worth $169 million, with $76.8 million in cash alone. 

Adidas used to design the Wolverines' signature Maize and Blue gear, so this is a significant shift in uniform providers. Michigan's apparel figures to continue looking sleek and special with Nike's innovative designs and concepts.

Oregon has a deal with Nike, which has helped put its powerhouse football program on the map with a multitude of alternatives for jersey designs. What happens on the gridiron for the foreseeable future will inevitably be the primary focus in Ann Arbor for sports.

Former Michigan quarterback and newly minted head coach Jim Harbaugh is now the face of the Wolverines football program. Harbaugh had a successful NFL stint in San Francisco preceded by an exceptional overhaul at Stanford. It stands to reason he will be able to work his magic again given his resume.

After perhaps one year of struggles, Harbaugh can assert his will on Michigan, integrate his philosophy and truly get his players to buy in. It will happen to coincide with the issuing of new Nike uniforms, which ought to also signal the beginning of a big turnaround in the Big House.