Northwestern Athletics and Under Armour Announce Landmark 10-Year Partnership Extension Through 2037Northwestern Athletics and Under Armour Announce Landmark 10-Year Partnership Extension Through 2037
Griffin Quinn/Northwestern Athle

Northwestern Athletics and Under Armour Announce Landmark 10-Year Partnership Extension Through 2037

Innovative agreement includes specialty uniform design, expanded NIL opportunities for NU student-athletes, enhanced marketing investment, expanded retail reach, and world-class apparel, footwear and performance equipment for all 21 NU varsity programs

EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern University Athletics and Under Armour (NYSE: UA) today announced a landmark 10-year extension of their apparel and equipment partnership, keeping the Wildcats outfitted by the Baltimore-based global performance brand through at least 2037. The agreement extends the current contract set to expire in 2027 and represents the most comprehensive and forward-looking apparel partnership in Northwestern Athletics history.

Northwestern first signed with Under Armour in 2011, making the Wildcats Under Armour’s inaugural Big Ten partner, with teams outfitted in Under Armour beginning in 2012.

The partnership has coincided with the most successful era in Northwestern Athletics history, including the Wildcats winning national championships in lacrosse, field hockey, and women’s golf, capturing more than 25 conference championships across all sports, earning two Big Ten Championship Game appearances in football, securing men’s basketball’s first NCAA Tournament berth in 2017, followed by back-to-back tournament appearances in 2023 and 2024.

The extension expands the partnership across five areas: a commitment to new uniform design created in collaboration with student-athletes, an investment in Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, increased marketing support, expanded retail reach and enhanced performance gear for all 21 varsity programs.

PARTNERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

Specialty & Innovative Uniform Design — Under Armour commits to an elevated, thoughtful approach to uniform design, collaborating directly with Northwestern student-athletes to develop specialty and alternate jersey packages for marquee contests across key programs. Student-athletes will have a meaningful voice in creating the designs that resonate on the field and in the stands, building on the program’s distinctive identity as a top 10 academic institution competing in one of the most elite athletic conferences.

Expanded NIL Flexibility — The agreement includes significant Name, Image, and Likeness initiatives, unlocking new opportunities for Northwestern student-athletes to partner with Under Armour, leverage the brand’s global platform, and gain hands-on experience alongside UA’s innovation and design teams.

Increased Marketing Investment — Under Armour will meaningfully increase its annual marketing support for Northwestern Athletics, including co-branded campaigns, digital content, and high-visibility promotional activations that amplify the ‘Cats national profile.

Broader Retail Presence — Under Armour is committed to a curated and expanded retail footprint, ensuring fans have access to premium Northwestern-branded Under Armour product that reflects the quality and character of the Wildcats’ brand — both locally in Chicago and nationally.

World-Class Performance Equipment & Apparel — All 21 of Northwestern’s varsity programs will receive best-in-class performance gear with enhanced allocations, ensuring every Wildcat trains and competes in Under Armour’s most innovative footwear and apparel and uses elite equipment — the same technology trusted by top athletes across the globe.

QUOTE FROM MARK JACKSON, COMBE FAMILY VICE PRESIDENT FOR ATHLETICS & RECREATION, NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

"Under Armour is an extraordinary partner for Northwestern Athletics — one that has invested in celebrating our student-athletes and elevating who we are as a program. From the very beginning, Under Armour brought energy, innovation, and a commitment to excellence that mirrors our values. Together, we have celebrated championships, iconic victories, and the unveiling of world-class facilities, all the while building the brand of around our elite academic and athletic profile. As we enter our next era at New Ryan Field, I am excited about what we are building together. The enhancements in this agreement reflect a shared ambition to compete and win at the highest level. With Kevin Plank back at the helm of Under Armour and the brand's renewed focus on performance, innovation, and storytelling, Northwestern Athletics is well-positioned for what lies ahead."

QUOTE FROM CRAIG CUMMINGS, UNDER ARMOUR VICE PRESIDENT, TEAM SPORTS

"Under Armour is proud to extend our partnership with Northwestern University and continue to support the next generation of Wildcats student-athletes. For more than a decade, we've worked together to equip Wildcats Athletics with innovative performance products designed to help their student-athletes train and compete at their highest level. As we look ahead, this extension reflects our shared commitment to performance innovation, elevated storytelling, enhanced NIL opportunities, and deeper collaboration with student-athletes. As Northwestern begins a new chapter, we look forward to building on the university's incredible momentum and continuing to create meaningful experiences that inspire and empower the Wildcats for years to come.”

ABOUT NORTHWESTERN ATHLETICS

Northwestern University competes at the NCAA Division I level as a member of the Big Ten Conference. It is the only Top 10 academic institution that competes in one of the top two Power conferences. The Wildcats field 21 varsity sports and have a proud tradition of competing for conference and national championships while graduating student-athletes at one of the highest rates in the country. Northwestern is ‘Chicago’s Big Ten Team’. For more information, visit NUSports.com.

ABOUT UNDER ARMOUR, INC.

Under Armour, Inc. (NYSE: UAA, UA), headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, is a leading inventor, marketer, and distributor of branded athletic performance apparel, footwear, and accessories. Designed to empower human performance, Under Armour’s innovative products and experiences are engineered to make athletes better. For further information, please visit about.underarmour.com.