Pitt Athletics Extends Relationship with Nike Through 2026

On Thursday, Pitt announced that it has extended its partnership with apparel brand Nike through 2026.

Just Did It ✔️

Pitt Panthers 🤝 @Nike through 2026
📰: https://t.co/cvi8Hbde9r pic.twitter.com/UDVhQT90hu

— Pitt Panthers (@Pitt_ATHLETICS) July 6, 2023

“When you have the opportunity to extend a productive and mutually beneficial partnership, you Just Do It!,” Pitt A.D. Heather Lyke said in a release. “Pitt and Nike have been terrific partners for nearly 15 years, and extending our agreement through 2026 supports our department, our coaches, student-athletes, and staff. We have seen success on the field and in apparel sales since our rebrand with Nike in 2019. I am eager to see how our Pitt-Nike relationship continues to progress over the coming years.”

Back in April 2019, Pitt Athletics revealed its rebrand, introducing new color schemes, fonts, and branding — all done with the help of the Nike Global Identity Group. The rebranding process took two years, and was finally announced at Bigelow Bash, an event on campus.

In the press release announcing the renewal of this partnership, Pitt head coaches Jeff Capel, Pat Narduzzi, Tory Verdi, and Dan Fisher commented on the brand’s impact on their respective programs.

“NIKE has been a terrific partner for Pitt and our program,” Capel said. “It is by far the top brand in the basketball world, and we are excited to continue to represent the company. Whether it is the uniforms, competition apparel, travel gear, or leisure wear, we always look elite in NIKE.”

Jeff Capel watches as Pitt faces Duke in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals in Greensboro, N.C. on March 9, 2023. (Mitchell Northam / Pittsburgh Sports Now)

“During my time at the University of Pittsburgh, NIKE has been an incredible partner for both Pitt football and our entire athletics department,” said Narduzzi. “The continuation of that partnership is a huge victory for everyone involved. NIKE is the world’s premier sports brand for a reason. We look forward to wearing the Pitt Script and NIKE swoosh with great pride for seasons to come.”

Pat Narduzzi August 11, 2022 David Hague/PSN

“I’m very excited about Pitt’s continued partnership with Nike,” said Verdi “There’s only one brand and it’s Nike! Their clothes, shoes and apparel are a difference maker.”

Laying the foundation 🧱

“You have to bring it each and every day. You have to embrace the process.”#H2P pic.twitter.com/k1yWY1vZXK

— Pitt Basketball (@Pitt_WBB) June 16, 2023

“We could not be more excited for the Pitt-Nike partnership to continue,” said Fisher. “Our athletes want high-performing gear that fits, feels, and looks good. Nike accomplishes all those things as we continue to work towards our championship goals.”

Dan Fisher Pitt Volleyball September 9, 2022 David Hague/PSN