Nike extends NFL deal through 2019 season
The NBA has signed an eight-year apparel deal with Nike. (REUTERS/Mike Blake)
Nike has extended its on-field apparel contract with the NFL.
The deal adds three years to the contract that originally was to expire after the 2016 season, Sports Business Journal reported Monday.
The extension helps Nike avoid a bidding war for the rights to outfit NFL teams.
Under Armour was among the companies expected to bid for the contract in 2016, and Adidas was considered a possible bidder as well. That company said Monday that it will not renew its deal with the NBA in 2017.
This extension puts Nike’s tenure with the NFL more in line with Reebok’s NFL deal, which lasted 10 years until Nike took over in 2012. Reebok’s NHL deal is in its 11th year, and Adidas’ NBA deal lasts 11 years as well.
