Jumping into the new arms race in college sports – schools battling formassivesponsorships – UCLA has landed what is believed to be the biggest shoe and apparel deal in NCAA history.
The 15-year, $280-million contract with Under Armour was finalized early Tuesday morning and announced at a midday news conference.
The marketplace has exploded in recent months as Michigan, Texas and Ohio State have signed lucrative agreements with Nike. UCLA entered the picture with its Adidas contract set to expire next year.
“We knew that we were well-positioned to cut a deal,” said Dan Guerrero, the UCLA athletic director.