On Thursday, the University of South Carolina made a significant announcement regarding its athletic apparel partnership, shifting from Under Armour to Nike. This change coincides with the school’s strategy of enhancing sponsorship agreements as it prepares for the 2025 season.
Dawn Staley’s Excitement
Dawn Staley, the acclaimed head coach of South Carolina’s women’s basketball team, expressed her enthusiasm about this transition on her social media. Staley shared her long-standing connection with Nike, which spans over three decades, while expressing gratitude for the contributions made by Under Armour during their nearly 19-year partnership, which began in 2007.
Staley tweeted her excitement, stating, “I’m over the moon happy about our new @Nike deal… but I will never forget the contributions and the partnership that helped @GamecockWBB win national championships….thank you KP and @UnderArmour.”
A Decade-Long Commitment
The newly formed partnership with Nike is set to take effect in 2026 and will be firmly established for the next ten years. This marks a new chapter for South Carolina athletics, as it moves on from a long and fruitful relationship with Under Armour.
Staley was appointed head coach of the Gamecock women’s basketball team in 2008, and since her arrival, she has built an impressive legacy. Under her guidance, the team has clinched three national championships in 2017, 2022, and 2024, and has been a nurturing ground for some of women’s basketball’s most talented players, including A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, and Kamilla Cardoso.
Dawn Staley’s Legacy with Nike
Dawn Staley’s history with Nike traces back to her playing career. In 1996, she, alongside other basketball legends like Sheryl Swoopes and Lisa Leslie, featured in a notable Spike Lee-directed commercial titled “Freestyle.” This advertisement promoted the 1996 Olympic team, which went on to secure a gold medal in Atlanta, simultaneously laying the groundwork for the formation of the WNBA.
In 1999, Nike introduced the “Zoom S5,” which was custom-designed as Staley’s signature shoe. With the new agreement, South Carolina women’s basketball is poised to honor its roots and celebrate the pioneers of the sport, especially by showcasing A’ja Wilson’s signature footwear during games.
As South Carolina prepares for this exciting new chapter with Nike, the anticipation around the future of women’s basketball at the university is palpable. The collaborative potential between the iconic brand and the talented athletes at South Carolina promises to propel the program to new heights.
Image Source: Dawn Staley @ Instagram
