On the WC, it’s late not early. Lol.
Nike provided us w/ new unis in 2014, new design, & tech, just off strength. The 2024 season happened & instead of firing we decided Golden after the entire off season & on-field debacle, we kept him. Nike, seeing our lack of commitment, made us an offer based upon the market tier we placed ourselves in from 2005-2015. Blake felt it was low and went into a bidding war between Adidas & UA. Adidas, desperate to rebrand itself, as well, decided to make us a lucrative offer, in which Nike refused to match.
Adidas gambled on us, thinking they attached themselves to a power, just like the ACC strategically placed us in The Coastal, & FSU vouched for us. We were supposed to be the crown jewel of the ACC and Adidas, just like we used to be Nike’s crown jewel.
We’ve literally let all of our suitors down, just collecting checks, which is y Adidas turned its attention to Washington, and went on record calling it it’s flagship school. Adidas biggest priority will now be Texas A&M starting next yr, especially what Jimbo has cooking. Why? B/c Adidas has been searching to have a P5 school that’s a force. All of the CFB powers r brand Nike. Adidas has by far & wide been a G5 sponsor. With that being said Miami was supposed to be that for Adidas. They took a financial gamble on us from a brand & marketing standpoint.
7 yrs later & we’re collecting their checks & that’s bout it. Our merch has been dropping in price & not moving. U can find our latest “team shoe” on ****’s Sporting Goods from size 6.5 - 14 at a price at $130 instead of $180. We’ve not held up our end from an overall product standpoint, but still collecting their $. Part of Merch problems could be on Adidas’ failings as well, but we’re not helping them w/ our own perception.