As the SMU football team continues its rise in the world of college football, they'll garner more respect and prominence. The Mustangs' success has even caught the eye of apparel giant Nike and the two have agreed to a five-year agreement that will make Nike the official provider of apparel, footwear and equipment for SMU.
"We are excited to announce this partnership between SMU Athletics and Nike," said Director of Athletics Steve Orsini in a press conference. "Nike is a world leader in athletic apparel and equipment, and this agreement links SMU Athletics with that prestigious brand. We have raised the profile of SMU Athletics to a high level over the past few year and this commitment by Nike only reinforces that fact."
The agreement will be effective beginning with the 2012-2013 school year.
"Partnering with elite organizations such as SMU allows Nike to continue to help build better athletes by pushing innovation forward," said Morgan Shaw, Nike Communications. "Our goal is to deliver unparalleled performance benefits through footwear, apparel and equipment by listening to the voice of the athlete. To that end, it is a privilege to work with such a strong, successful athletic organization."
SMU sponsors 17 intercollegiate teams and has been ranked as the top school in its conference for 11 of the last 14 years in the Director's Cup overall athletic rankings.