South Carolina officially announces details of Nike contract

On Thursday, reports surfaced that the University of South Carolina was switching athletic apparel providers. Following nearly two decades with Under Armour, the Gamecocks will move forward with Nike as their official outfitter.

On Friday, the USC Board of Trustees met, and one of the items on the agenda was a vote on “athletics apparel.” Following a brief executive session, the BOT announced the approval of a new apparel contract.

South Carolina’s new contract with Nike will be a 10-year deal worth $5 million in cash, $70 million in product, and an additional $2.5 million in “supplemental” product.

That $5 million will be paid annually in installments of $500,000. USC will also receive a 15% royalty rate on net sales.

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South Carolina’s previous deal with Under Armour was for 10 years and was worth approximately $70 million combined between cash and apparel value. However, Under Armour has decreased its presence in college sports. After Friday’s announcement, USC AD Jeremiah Donati confirmed that Under Armour declined to match Nike’s offer.

The University’s move to Nike includes a bigger contract and will yield additional dividends down the road.

Nike will provide South Carolina basketball with signature shoes and travel gear from Gamecock legend A’ja Wilson. The apparel company also promises to revamp the University’s football uniforms and women’s basketball uniforms, including an additional alternate uniform for the football team. A redesign to the court at Colonial Life Arena could be in the works, as well.

Nike could decline to provide some of these extra benefits in favor of paying South Carolina additional funds. The contract includes extra “performance bonuses” for on-field and on-court success in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball, and softball.

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Nike will outfit all 21 of South Carolina’s athletic programs. Officially licensed Nike Gamecock gear will be made available for purchase at the conclusion of the school’s current Under Armour contract. The Nike deal will go into effect on July 1, 2026.

Following the historic move, South Carolina AD Jeremiah Donati issued a statement.

“We are thrilled to announce the future partnership with Nike, a brand that is built on inspiring athletes to reach for excellence with the latest and most innovative equipment and attire while championing the values of athletic participation, beginning in July 2026,” said USC Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati.  “We are excited to be joining with Nike as we look to continue to elevate our brand and compete for championships in the future.  We are truly appreciative of the long partnership we have enjoyed with Under Armour since 2007.  They have provided our student-athletes and fans with excellent service and apparel since the onset of our relationship and have been a part of many huge Gamecock moments.  A special thank you to Kevin Plank for his friendship with the University of South Carolina and his leadership in the college athletics space.  We look forward to celebrating our partnership history with Under Armour in the 2025-26 athletics seasons.”

The USC BOT also approved an official contract for Deputy AD Wesley Mallette on Friday.

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