Georgia Tech University has announced a 6-year deal that will make Adidas (ADDYY) the official apparel provider for 17 GT varsity sports. The partnership, which goes into effect on July 1, 2018, will replace the school’s existing deal with Russell Athletic (BRK.A). The mutually beneficial agreement provides Adidas with a presence in the Atlanta market, while providing GT with a boost in revenue and a significant improvement in apparel quality.
Georgia Tech to exchange Russell Athletic gear for Adidas starting in 2018
Howie Long-Short: When GT first signed on with Russell Athletic in 1992, sporting goods companies like Russell (BRK.A), Rawlings (NWL), Wilson (HEL: AMEAS) controlled the uniform market. 25 years later fashion and apparel retailers (NKE, ADDYY, UAA) dominate the space. Times have changed!
Fan Marino: You hear a lot of talk that GT’s relationship with Russell Athletic has damaged their recruiting efforts. I’m not buying that. Football struggles to recruit because they run a version of the wishbone offense that hasn’t been popular since the 1980s. Basketball can recruit. Josh Pastner has a 5 star, Nassir Little, on campus this weekend.
