Knoxville, TN, August 19, 2025
News Summary
The University of Tennessee has announced a new partnership with adidas, making the sportswear brand the official provider of footwear, apparel, and sideline gear for UT Athletics. This decade-long agreement, starting in 2026, will create significant Name, Image, and Likeness opportunities for student-athletes. Previously partnered from 1995 to 2014, this collaboration seeks to enhance the university’s athletic programs further and build on recent successes across various sports.
KNOXVILLE, TN — The University of Tennessee (UT) has announced a significant partnership with adidas, which will become the official footwear, uniform, apparel, and sideline partner for UT Athletics starting July 1, 2026. This partnership marks a reunion between the university and adidas, following a previous collaboration that lasted from 1995 to 2014. The new agreement is set to span ten years, extending through the 2035-36 academic year.
UT’s Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics, Danny White, emphasized the university’s ambition to cultivate a premier athletics department that can lead in collegiate sports. The renewed partnership is intended to uphold UT’s rich athletic history while also introducing fresh energy and resources to its programs.
Over the past two school years, Tennessee’s athletic programs have experienced a notable resurgence, marked by consistent postseason appearances across all 20 varsity sports. This success likely influenced adidas’s decision to partner with the university, recognizing the strong licensing numbers, impressive television ratings, and sold-out venues that characterize Tennessee Athletics.
The partnership is poised to create unprecedented Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for student-athletes in all varsity sports. adidas plans to initiate NIL deals for Tennessee athletes during the 2025-26 school year, prior to the official kickoff of their collaboration. Every Tennessee student-athlete will be eligible to participate in the adidas NIL Ambassador Network, aimed at bolstering their NIL earnings.
In their previous partnership with adidas, Tennessee athletics achieved remarkable milestones, including winning a football national championship in 1998 and securing back-to-back women’s basketball championships in 2007 and 2008. The excitement around the renewal is further buoyed by the involvement of esteemed former Lady Vols player, Candace Parker, who now serves as the president of women’s basketball at adidas.
During this new partnership, the Tennessee Creative team is slated to lead the uniform design, while adidas will contribute design expertise and resources. This collaboration is expected to enhance Tennessee’s standing as the leading school in licensed apparel sales by providing superior fan apparel and footwear options.
While the financial terms of the adidas deal have not been disclosed, it is said to provide a substantial competitive advantage in the college sports landscape. Prior to aligning with adidas, the University of Tennessee was under contract with Nike from July 2015 until the new partnership commences in 2026. The negotiations with Nike concluded without an agreement, paving the way for adidas to secure this partnership.
This strategic move is anticipated to sustain and elevate the powerful athletics program at UT, positioning it for future successes in national championships.
Key Features of the Partnership
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Partner | adidas |
| Contract Duration | 10 years (July 2026 – 2036) |
| Focus Areas | Footwear, uniforms, apparel, NIL opportunities |
| Design Leadership | Tennessee Creative team with adidas support |
| NIL Opportunities | Deals starting 2025-26 school year |
| Previous Partnership | 1995 – 2014 |
| Achievements | Football national championship (1998), Women’s basketball titles (2007, 2008) |
FAQ
What is the duration of the adidas partnership with the University of Tennessee?
The partnership will last for 10 years, beginning on July 1, 2026, and ending in the 2035-36 academic year.
What will adidas provide to UT Athletics?
adidas will serve as the official provider of footwear, uniforms, apparel, and sideline gear for all UT Athletics programs.
What are the NIL opportunities mentioned in the partnership?
The partnership aims to provide unprecedented Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for student-athletes across all varsity sports, starting with NIL deals during the 2025-26 school year.
Who will lead the design of the uniforms?
The Tennessee Creative team will lead uniform design, supported by adidas’s design expertise and resources.
What were some accomplishments during the previous partnership between UT and adidas?
During their previous collaboration, UT Athletics won a football national championship in 1998 and back-to-back women’s basketball championships in 2007 and 2008.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
University of Tennessee Partners with Adidas as Apparel Supplier
Cyber Monday Offers Unmissable Deals Across Top Retailers
Additional Resources
- University of Tennessee Official Announcement
- Knox News: Tennessee’s Adidas Contract
- CBS Sports: Tennessee’s Adidas Deal
- Times Free Press: Tennessee Reunites with Adidas
- On3: Tennessee’s Adidas Apparel Contract
- Wikipedia: University of Tennessee
- Google Search: Tennessee adidas partnership
- Google Scholar: Tennessee adidas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tennessee athletics
- Google News: Tennessee adidas
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