The Notre Dame football program could be on the market for a new apparel sponsorship, according to recent reports from Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger.
The Fighting Irish’s exclusive negotiating window with Under Armour has expired, opening the door for a new brand to back one of college football’s biggest names.
Notre Dame may be in line for a new apparel sponsor.
The Irish’s exclusive negotiating window with Under Armour has expired, sources tell @SINow, thrusting arguably college football’s most valuable brand into the open markethttps://t.co/hXdq2uUH1h
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) May 11, 2023
Notre Dame is currently under a 10-year contract with Under Armour that expires after next season. Adidas was the Fighting Irish’s previous apparel sponsor until it was replaced by UA in 2014. The deal is reportedly believed to be worth $90 million, which at the time was considered most lucrative apparel contract in college athletics history.
Nike and Adidas are considered as the two main suitors that will attempt to swoop a new deal away from Under Armour. Notre Dame officials have declined to comment.
Financial burdens on the brand could see the decade-long partnership ultimately fall through after the 2024 season.
“Over the last several years, Under Armour, experiencing falling sales and stock prices, has worked to cut costs by restructuring or ending sponsorship contracts with athletes, schools and professional leagues, including the NFL. In many ways, the company has withdrawn from being a major player in college athletics,” Dellenger reports.
“The Baltimore-based outlet has canceled deals with UCLA, Cal, Hawaii and Cincinnati, and Boston College ended its relationship with the company by signing with New Balance and Adidas. As part of a settlement, Under Armour was ordered to pay UCLA $67 million for breaking the deal early.”
If the Fighting Irish do start playing with a new logo on their jerseys, it will certainly take some getting used to.