AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn just did it.
Fifteen months after announcing a deal with Nike, the partnership between the Tigers and the Swoosh begins Tuesday.
"We are excited to enter this new partnership with Nike, a brand that consistently champions athletes and sport around the world,” athletics director John Cohen said. “We believe that our agreement will continue to elevate Auburn and best serve our student-athletes and our university moving forward."
“We are thrilled to kick off the Nike era of Auburn football,” head football coach Hugh Freeze said. “I’ve seen firsthand Nike’s commitment to excellence and innovation. Our student-athletes look forward to competing in Nike cleats and uniforms in front of the greatest fans in college football this season at Jordan-Hare Stadium.”
“Nike basketball is the most recognizable brand in the world,” men’s basketball associate head coach Steven Pearl said. “All of our student-athletes and recruits recognize that and want to be a part of that. The most signature shoe athletes of any brand with some of the most recognizable athletes in the world. For our players to have the opportunity to wear those shoes on a nightly basis and with their daily training, our guys are really excited.”
“There’s not a student-athlete who’s not excited about Nike,” head baseball coach Butch Thompson said. “You can see it with younger people when you’re out recruiting. When they’re not under contract, it seems like Nike is preferred a bunch.
“That is a brand that is going to sit well and fit well with Auburn as we’re out recruiting. We polled our student-athletes during this process, and overwhelmingly, it was favorable.”
Women’s basketball head coach Larry Vickers appreciates Nike’s commitment to investing in women athletes.
“For women’s basketball, we’re extremely excited to be a part of the transition to Nike,” said Vickers, a lifelong wearer of signature Nike footwear. “Nike does an excellent job helping to grow the women’s game. They are invested in women’s basketball and in women basketball players. It’s exciting to be a part of that process.”
“Nike understands what a high-level athlete wants to feel like when they step on the field,” co-head softball coach Kate Malveaux said. “We’re really excited because our kids play on a big stage and for Nike to want to be a part of that, it’s a great move for our program.”
The Tigers' fall sports will be the first to combine Auburn’s orange and blue with Nike’s iconic Swoosh.
While Auburn’s Nike partnership officially begins today, all product will be available for purchase on e-commerce and in stores beginning July 25.
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on X: @jeff_shearer