The University of South Carolina’s board of trustees approved a 10-year apparel contract with Nike, ending almost two decades of partnership with Under Armour. The deal goes into effect on July 1, 2026.
"We love their vision for us," Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati said. "They've got a standard of excellence that we're gonna have here, and so for a lot of reasons, it just made sense."
Nike will give the university $70 million in merchandise as well as $5 million in cash. The company will also pay a 15% royalty fee.
Also included in the contract are several other benefits, including an A'ja Wilson integration deal, where Nike would provide the South Carolina men's and women's basketball teams with "A'ja Wilson signature sneakers." The women's team would also get Wilson-branded travel gear and other equipment. Should Nike not fulfill this, the company would need to pay a $15 million cash alternative.
Nike will also feature USC and Wilson in its marketing during the term of the deal, or pay a $3 million cash alternative.
Other benefits for the university include a schedule of performance bonuses, paid to USC based on the performance of its football, women's basketball, baseball and softball teams. For football, those bonuses are cumulative, and Nike could pay up to $230,000 if the team wins the national championship.
Donati said USC received an offer from Nike which Under Armour did not match. The university was not in conversation with any other apparel suppliers, he said.
"We feel great about our deal we have with Under Armour, feel very well-supported by them," Donati said. "We feel great about this (Nike) deal moving forward."
In 2007, USC signed a six-year contract for Under Armour to outfit its football team. The current contract dates back to 2016 and expires in June 2026.