McMaster signs five-year exclusivity deal with Nike

Fraser Caldwell

Sports Editor

Marauder sports teams will be sporting the swoosh for the next five years, after McMaster's Department of Athletics and Recreation announced a long-term exclusivity deal with the world's largest sports apparel manufacturer on Feb. 6.

Such exclusivity deals are common currency in the United States' NCAA, where schools are often identified by their apparel brand of choice. This deal on the part of McMaster marks the first such commitment for Nike in Canada.

In comments contained within his department's press release, McMaster's Director of Athletics and Recreation Jeff Giles hailed the move as an landmark step in the development of his program and the Marauder brand at large.

"The agreement with Nike is important for everyone associated with the McMaster family," said Giles. "Our coaches and team members are very pleased with the quality of the Nike product and our fans will be able to show their true colours. This partnership is indicative of the respect Marauder Athletics is earning in a highly competitive marketplace."

The deal will also include the introduction to McMaster of the iconic Jordan brand of basketball apparel pioneered by the legendary no. 23 himself. Marauder basketball teams will sport Jordan uniforms as of the 2012-2013 season, and McMaster will be one of only five schools on the continent to feature the merchandise.

The new Nike products will be furnished by Dundas-based distributor T. Litzen Sports, and Managing Partner Ken Kennedy spoke of the company's eagerness to be involved in the campus deal.

“We look forward to working with McMaster and taking our existing relationship to a whole new level," said Kennedy. "McMaster is in the process of reinventing the role of University Athletics and Recreation and this is something that T. Litzen is very excited to be a part of.”

More to follow on this story in Thursday's print edition of The Silhouette.