Penn State Confirms Switch from Nike to Adidas

According to SGB Media, Penn State officially announced that it is ending its 32-year partnership with Nike, effective in 2026, as the official footwear, uniform, apparel, and sideline partner of the Nittany Lions, in favor of a new 10-year deal with Adidas.  
 

“Penn State Athletics has been blessed with incredible partners throughout our history, but today, we step into a bold new era,” said Patrick Kraft, VP for Intercollegiate Athletics at Penn State University. “From the field to the court, the mat to the pitch, this partnership goes far beyond uniforms; it is unlike anything else in the marketplace. Adidas is making an unprecedented commitment to Penn State, delivering record investment in our department, groundbreaking NIL and marketing opportunities and access to technology and innovation that no other program can match. This agreement sets a new industry standard, fueling championship performances, empowering our student-athletes to grow their personal brands and creating unmatched platforms for them to shine on the national and global stage. Together, we’re building something that will transform what’s possible for Penn State Athletics and for every student-athlete who wears the Blue & White.”
 

“Adidas is committed to partnering with universities like Penn State that possess rich tradition and championship potential in equal measure. We see this new agreement as a unique opportunity for us to help shape the next chapter of Penn State Athletics while staying true to everything that makes the Nittany Lions an iconic brand,” said John Miller, Adidas president, North America.
 

In the lead-up to the partnership’s official launch in 2026, Penn State and Adidas will focus on NIL agreements and brand campaigns for student-athletes across all 31 sports, including the champion women’s volleyball and wrestling programs. Adidas already partners with Nittany Lion football alumni Micah Parsons, Abdul Carter, and former women’s volleyball two-time national champion Micha Hancock.
 

Once the partnership begins, all 800-plus Penn State student-athletes across 31 sports will be eligible to join Adidas’ NIL Ambassador Network, benefitting from NIL opportunities.