The University of Akron Athletics
The University of Akron, NIKE and BSN SPORTS Elevate Relationship with New Deal
March 12 | General
AKRON, Ohio – The University of Akron Athletics Department is proud to expand its partnership with NIKE and LeBron James alongside BSN SPORTS with a new multi-year deal, Director of Athletics Dr. Andrew T. Goodrich announced on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
"We are excited about the partnership extension with NIKE and LeBron James along with BSN SPORTS as they align with our strategic mission to Make The Climb," Dr, Goodrich said. "We are committed to providing a first-class experience for our student-athletes in their collegiate athletics journey through this extended partnership. We're committed to the Akron community as we combine the global leader in sports equipment while continuing our support of the LeBron James Family Foundation."
The university-wide partnership with NIKE began on July 1, 2021, and ran for five years through June 30, 2026. The new, long-term agreement means NIKE and BSN SPORTS will continue to exclusively outfit the Zips' 18 athletic programs with Akron Zips game uniforms, travel gear, footwear, equipment, accessories and other apparel featuring the NIKE Swoosh and LeBron James logo.
"Akron, NIKE and the LeBron James Family Foundation all demand the highest levels of service and support, which is why we are so honored to continue our 13-year partnership with LJFF & continue our journey with The University of Akron," said Todd Northrop, Sr. Vice President of BSN SPORTS Collegiate Select & Pro Select Division. "We've grown in partnership alongside Akron and their trajectory of continued growth and improvement mirrors our commitment to climbing even higher together."
The University of Akron and Nike partnership started in June 2008 exclusively for the Akron men's basketball program, outfitting the program with Nike and LeBron James signature product for the Zips' shoes, game uniforms, warm-ups, and accessories. Akron was issued a variety of player exclusive LeBron James signature shoes in different styles, all customized for Akron Basketball.
"We're excited to see our trusted partners at The University of Akron, NIKE and BSN SPORTS continue working together to serve students with the best of the best," said Michele Campbell, Executive Director of the LeBron James Family Foundation. "We've experienced the commitment and elite level of service that BSN SPORTS brings to our community for well over a decade now and we can't wait to see them keep delivering for our kids and families in Akron."
ABOUT BSN SPORTS
BSN SPORTS is a leading distributor and manufacturer of sporting goods apparel and equipment that serves more than 1,100 collegiate partners nationwide. With a focus on game-changing partnerships, one of the widest selections of private and leading brands, and a one-stop-shop model, BSN SPORTS has helped elevate team sports participation for more than 150,000 teams and organizations nationally at all levels of competition since 1972. For more information, visit BSNSPORTS.com.
"We are excited about the partnership extension with NIKE and LeBron James along with BSN SPORTS as they align with our strategic mission to Make The Climb," Dr, Goodrich said. "We are committed to providing a first-class experience for our student-athletes in their collegiate athletics journey through this extended partnership. We're committed to the Akron community as we combine the global leader in sports equipment while continuing our support of the LeBron James Family Foundation."
The university-wide partnership with NIKE began on July 1, 2021, and ran for five years through June 30, 2026. The new, long-term agreement means NIKE and BSN SPORTS will continue to exclusively outfit the Zips' 18 athletic programs with Akron Zips game uniforms, travel gear, footwear, equipment, accessories and other apparel featuring the NIKE Swoosh and LeBron James logo.
"Akron, NIKE and the LeBron James Family Foundation all demand the highest levels of service and support, which is why we are so honored to continue our 13-year partnership with LJFF & continue our journey with The University of Akron," said Todd Northrop, Sr. Vice President of BSN SPORTS Collegiate Select & Pro Select Division. "We've grown in partnership alongside Akron and their trajectory of continued growth and improvement mirrors our commitment to climbing even higher together."
The University of Akron and Nike partnership started in June 2008 exclusively for the Akron men's basketball program, outfitting the program with Nike and LeBron James signature product for the Zips' shoes, game uniforms, warm-ups, and accessories. Akron was issued a variety of player exclusive LeBron James signature shoes in different styles, all customized for Akron Basketball.
"We're excited to see our trusted partners at The University of Akron, NIKE and BSN SPORTS continue working together to serve students with the best of the best," said Michele Campbell, Executive Director of the LeBron James Family Foundation. "We've experienced the commitment and elite level of service that BSN SPORTS brings to our community for well over a decade now and we can't wait to see them keep delivering for our kids and families in Akron."
ABOUT BSN SPORTS
BSN SPORTS is a leading distributor and manufacturer of sporting goods apparel and equipment that serves more than 1,100 collegiate partners nationwide. With a focus on game-changing partnerships, one of the widest selections of private and leading brands, and a one-stop-shop model, BSN SPORTS has helped elevate team sports participation for more than 150,000 teams and organizations nationally at all levels of competition since 1972. For more information, visit BSNSPORTS.com.
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