Report: Michigan Taking Bids From Adidas, Nike For New Apparel Deal
By Dan Jenkins
@DanTJenkins
Many of those Michigan Wolverines fans who have been calling for the university to switch up its apparel provider may soon get their wish.
According to a report from the Portland Business Journal, the University of Michigan took bids from both Nike and Adidas -- the school's current outfitter -- to become the athletic department's next long-term provider.
"An Adidas spokesman confirmed its bid, which included a giant banner welcoming Michigan representatives to the company's North American headquarters in Portland.
Not to be outdone, Nike painted a field at the center of its Washington County campus to resemble Michigan's football field. The company also hung a building-sized banner on its recreation center with Michigan's "Go Blue" slogan.
A Nike spokesman confirmed the company hosted the university, "as we do many athletes, teams and leagues on a regular basis.""
Nike's recruitment of Michigan was caught in a picture shared on Twitter earlier this week. Under Armor, which was also rumored to be in the running, may have also put an offer on the table.
"Under Armour also appears to be bidding on the deal. A photo on social media shows a hallway, presumably at the company's Baltimore headquarters, with a large banner welcoming Michigan."
It was rumored in April that the university was willing to move on from Adidas and was seeking a new outfitter. In 2007, the university signed with Adidas, which was the largest public apparel contract in the country at the time.
