The Univ. of Utah announced on Wednesday that it has “entered into a new partnership” with Adidas after ending the school’s longstanding relationship with Under Armour, according to Steve Bartle of KSL SPORTS. Utah and Adidas will “partner on a seven-year deal starting July 1, 2027,” and the partnership “includes an NIL component.” Financial terms were not disclosed. The refresh is “expected to be noticeable, though not dramatic.” Among the priorities throughout the design process will be “preserving and highlighting Utah’s established identity.” The interlocking U logo “will remain a central part of the program’s branding,” but the university is also “expected to place renewed emphasis on the iconic drum-and-feather logo.” Rather than replacing one with the other, the goal is “expected to be finding ways to feature both throughout the uniform lineup and broader athletic department branding.” Sources indicated that the initial rollout will “likely be measured rather than all up front.” Instead of unveiling a large collection of alternate uniforms immediately, Utah is “expected to launch with a smaller group of primary uniform combinations before gradually expanding the wardrobe over time” (KSL SPORTS, 6/24).
A NEW ERA: In Utah, Joe Coles noted Utah has been with Under Armour since 2008 for football and athletic department-wide since the 2011-12 season. The school signed a 10-year extension that was worth $65M in 2016. At the beginning of June, however, news broke that Utah and Under Armour would be parting ways at the end of the contract, which expires after the 2026-27 season. This will be the first time the Utes’ football program will wear the three stripes. The Utah men’s basketball team signed a deal with Adidas in 2007, wearing the brand for four years until the school-wide deal with Under Armour went into effect in 2011 (DESERET NEWS, 6/24).
