A New Era for Gamecock Athletics
The University of South Carolina’s athletic department unveiled a fresh batch of Nike uniforms on Tuesday, signaling the start of a new 10‑year apparel partnership that will replace the long‑standing Under Armour contract.
The Board of Trustees gave its approval in August 2025, setting the agreement to run from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2036, a decade that will see Nike outfit every one of the university’s 21 varsity programs.
Under the terms of the deal, Nike will supply roughly $70 million worth of apparel, footwear, equipment and other gear, while the university will receive $5 million in cash compensation, paid out in annual installments of about $500,000.
In addition, the university will collect a 15 percent share of net sales from any licensed merchandise bearing Gamecock branding, a revenue stream that officials say could grow substantially as the partnership expands.
Financial Framework and Revenue Sharing
The cash component of $5 million is distributed evenly over the first ten years, amounting to roughly $500,000 each year, while the royalty share ensures a long‑term financial tie between the school and the brand.
The contract mandates at least three distinct football uniform redesigns within the first four years and four similar updates for the women’s basketball program, guaranteeing a modernized aesthetic across the athletic spectrum.
Beyond apparel, Nike will collaborate on a redesign of the playing surface at Colonial Life Arena and will grant the women’s basketball team access to A’ja Wilson’s signature Nike shoe line, the A’One, further cementing the brand’s connection to the university’s rising star.