Following the expiration of their partnership with Under Armour, Auburn Athletics will transition to a deal with Nike in 2025
It feels like it has been a long time coming. After rumors and speculation and 18 years of partnership with Under Armour, Auburn Athletics will become a Nike program. Auburn has been working with Under Armour since 2006, but will begin a 10 year deal with Nike in July 2025.
Auburn Athletics Director John Cohen has spoken about ongoing negotiations for several months, emphasizing that Auburn was taking their time and exploring every possibility to find the best deal for the university and the athletes who will be wearing Nike gear.
Cohen released the following statement about the new brand deal this morning via AuburnTigers.com:
"We are excited to enter this new partnership with Nike, a brand that consistently champions athletes and sport around the world. We are appreciative of their strong support throughout this process. We believe that our 10-year agreement, beginning in July 2025, will continue to elevate Auburn and best serve our student-athletes and our university moving forward.
"We are also grateful to Kevin Plank and Under Armour for their 18 years of valued partnership in growing the Auburn brand and serving our student athletes, coaches, and fans. We look forward to the opportunity to celebrate this relationship throughout the final year ahead."
According to Auburn Rivals, both Under Armour and Adidas were competing with Nike to work with Auburn Athletics after Cohen worked with Adidas at Mississippi State. Auburn Undercover reports that multiple Auburn graduates and connections like Tim Cook, Charles Barkley, and Bo Jackson were involved in helping close the deal, and 'monetarily it puts the Tigers among the top programs in the country that will be wearing Nike gear.'