South Carolina Plans Nike Deal Ending Under Armour Partnership

The University of South Carolina is set to end its long-standing athletic apparel partnership with Under Armour and enter a new agreement with Nike, beginning with the 2026-27 school year. This change will be officially announced following a Board of Trustees meeting scheduled for Friday at 9 a.m. ET, where the sole agenda item is the 'Athletics Department: Apparel Agreement.' South Carolina's relationship with Under Armour started in 2007 with a football-only deal, later expanded to cover all athletic teams, culminating in a $71.5 million contract extension signed in 2016. The switch to Nike marks a significant shift, as South Carolina has been the only Southeastern Conference school sponsored by Under Armour. Athletic directors Jeremiah Donati and Wesley Mallette, both with prior experience at Nike-sponsored schools, were influential in facilitating this transition. Fans can expect to see Nike's iconic swoosh on all Gamecock athletic gear starting in the 2026-27 academic year.