South Carolina Gamecocks Switch to Nike in $80M Apparel Deal

Massive Deal:: The 10-year contract includes a $70 million retail allotment, $5 million in cash compensation, $2.5 million in supplementary product allotment, and a 15% royalty on net sales.

A'ja Wilson Integration:: Nike will provide USC basketball with A'ja Wilson signature sneakers featuring Gamecock-specific colorways. They will also explore A'ja Wilson travel and team gear for the women's basketball team and feature USC in A'ja Wilson-related marketing.

New Uniforms:

Football will receive Nike's Vapor F.U.S.E. uniforms and new cleats for the 2026-27 season, the same type worn by NFL teams.

Women's basketball will get new uniforms based on the company's Paris design starting in 2026.

Both football and women’s basketball will receive a full redesign of their respective uniform closets.

Colonial Life Arena Redesign:: Nike will lead a redesign of the USC basketball court at Colonial Life Arena.

Access to Nike's Sport Research Lab:: USC and its student-athletes will have access to Nike’s Sport Research Lab at its headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon.

Performance Bonuses:: The deal includes performance bonuses for football, basketball, baseball, and softball, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for achievements like winning conference championships or participating in national championships.

Background:: USC has been with Under Armour since 2007. The new deal with Nike, starting July 1, 2026, represents a major investment in the university's athletic future.

Uniform Technology:: The Vapor F.U.S.E. uniforms for football are designed for optimal performance, mirroring those used by NFL teams. The women's basketball uniforms, based on the Paris design, will provide a modern and competitive edge.

A'ja Wilson's Influence:: Featuring A'ja Wilson, a Gamecocks legend and WNBA star, is a strategic move by Nike. Her signature sneakers and potential collaborations with coach Dawn Staley tap into a powerful legacy and fan base.

Facility Enhancements:: The Colonial Life Arena court redesign will modernize the game-day experience, and access to Nike's Sport Research Lab offers invaluable resources for athlete development.

Financial Incentives:: The performance bonuses provide added motivation for teams to excel, rewarding achievements at both conference and national levels.

Q: When does the Nike deal go into effect?

Q: What sports are included in the deal?

Q: Will A'ja Wilson be involved in the partnership?

Q: What are some of the performance bonuses included in the deal?

The University of South Carolina is switching to Nike for athletic apparel in a 10-year, near-$80M deal, effective July 1, 2026.

The partnership includes new uniforms, gear, and potential collaborations with WNBA star A'ja Wilson.

Nike will redesign the Colonial Life Arena basketball court and provide access to their Sport Research Lab.

Performance bonuses are in place for various sports, incentivizing teams to achieve at the highest levels.