South Carolina Signs $77.5 Million Nike Deal, Football Set for Major Uniform Overhaul
The University of South Carolina officially announced Friday a blockbuster partnership with Nike, naming the sports apparel giant the Gamecocks’ exclusive athletics outfitter. Beginning July 1, 2026, Nike will outfit all 21 of USC’s athletic programs under a 10-year contract valued at roughly $77.5 million in cash and product.
Of that figure, South Carolina will receive about $5 million in cash and $72.5 million in product, along with a 15% royalty rate for the University. While those headline numbers dominate the conversation, the fine print reveals big changes are coming—especially for Gamecock football and women’s basketball.
Football Gets a Complete Redesign
According to agreement details released Friday, Nike is set to revamp South Carolina’s football look. The contract includes:
- Nike Vapor uniforms (the same worn in the NFL)
- NFL-style cleats
- A “full redesign of its football uniform closet” with at least three primary uniforms
- One alternate football uniform as part of a Nike 15-team design project
- Access to the Nike Sport Research Lab
In short, the deal guarantees South Carolina at least four new football uniform designs, cutting-edge cleats, and research lab access—all on top of the annual cash and product allotment. Nike does reserve the right to swap those added perks for direct cash payments.
Branding & Women’s Basketball Spotlight
Nike will also invest in marketing and brand exposure for South Carolina athletics. The contract specifically highlights women’s basketball and alum A’ja Wilson, though football and other sports will also receive additional visibility through national campaigns.
Because Under Armour designed South Carolina’s current jersey font, a fresh redesign across multiple teams appears likely. Fans can also expect in-game and in-stadium Nike branding once the deal officially takes effect.
Incentives for Postseason Success
Built into the contract are performance bonuses tied directly to football success. Among them:
- SEC Championship Game appearance: $10,000
- SEC Championship win: additional $20,000
- College Football Playoff berth: $10,000 (first round), $15,000 (second round), $25,000 (semifinal), $50,000 (title game)
- National Championship victory: $100,000
With Nike locked in as the Gamecocks’ future outfitter, the stage is set for a new era—one that could bring fresh uniforms, bigger marketing reach, and postseason incentives that directly reward winning at the highest level.
