MEAC schools won’t all be wearing the same brand of uniforms any more, but the majority of the conference will have their uniforms supplied by the same provider. The conference announced that has expanded its Nike deal to include uniform deals for 10 of its schools through 2020, while all 13 of its schools will remain the company’s footwear through that time.
Bethune-Cookman, Coppin State, Delaware State, Florida A&M, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Norfolk State, North Carolina A&T State, North Carolina Central, Savannah State and South Carolina State will have a joint apparel, accessory and equipment agreement with the apparel giant.
Howard will not be wearing Nike jerseys, as they signed with Under Armour earlier this year after the conference allowed teams to negotiate their own apparel deals. HBCU Gameday was the first to report that development. It is, however, included in the footwear deal.
Morgan State and Hampton, the other two MEAC schools not in the deal, are expected to join them in Under Armour as well, but according to our sources. They will wear Nike shoes as well.
“We are elated to expand our partnership with Nike, the worldwide leader in athletic footwear, apparel and accessories,” MEAC Commissioner Dr. Dennis Thomas said. “We appreciate NIKE’s over fifteen-year investment with the MEAC and recognizing the value of our brand.”
The MEAC previously had a conference-wide deal with Russell to provide apparel, while Nike provided footware. The CIAA, SIAC and SWAC are all currently in conference-wide apparel deals with Russell.
I am really surprised UA is okay with Howard wearing Nike shoes. UA make some nice and prety high end cleats that I am sure the Howard players would want to wear. I guess HU will start wearing UA cleats once the Nike deal expires.
The CIAA REALLY REALLY needs to get away from Russell Athletic basketball uniforms. Each CIAA team wears baggy/ill-fitting uniforms. The Russell Athletic basketball uniforms are a poor reflection on the schools, the players, and the conference's reputation.
Well the Nike deal was already in place, so UA would basically have to pay Nike to take Howard away…Apparently they didn't think it was worth ponying the extra cash for.
I just hope that the 10 MEAC schools with Nike won't be in “cookie-cutter” uniforms like they are with Russell.