South Carolina Joins Nike Family in Landmark Partnership — Early Look at Exclusive Gamecocks Kicks
The University of South Carolina has officially signed a groundbreaking partnership with Nike, ushering in a new era for Gamecock athletics. The deal makes South Carolina the latest major program to align with the Swoosh, bringing with it fresh opportunities for athletes, fans, and the program’s national brand.
As part of the partnership, South Carolina teams will now be outfitted in Nike performance gear across all sports, from football and basketball to track and field. The collaboration also extends to footwear — including exclusive player editions (PEs) designed specifically for Gamecock athletes.
To celebrate the announcement, an early preview has already hit the spotlight in NBA 2K. Fans were given a first look at the Nike A’One “Gamecocks” custom colorway, a striking design that pays tribute to South Carolina’s proud traditions while tying into Nike’s cutting-edge sneaker innovation.
The sneaker features a garnet-and-black color scheme with bold Gamecock branding, creating a unique blend of style and school spirit. The early digital reveal has already sparked plenty of buzz online, with fans asking if the shoe will eventually be released to the public.
“University of South Carolina inks deal with Nike! With this new partnership, we’re hyped to see South Carolina rocking exclusive college PEs with the Swoosh,” the announcement teased on social media. “Here’s an early 2K-exclusive look at the Nike A’One ‘Gamecocks’ custom colorway. What y’all think 2Kfam, should Nike drop these ASAP?!”
A Win for Gamecock Athletes
This partnership isn’t just about style — it’s about elevating South Carolina’s athletes with top-tier gear. Nike’s advanced technology in apparel and footwear is designed to maximize performance, giving Gamecock athletes access to the same innovations worn by professionals across the NBA, WNBA, NFL, and beyond.
Women’s basketball superstar A’ja Wilson, a proud Gamecock alumna and Nike athlete, was tagged in the announcement post, symbolizing the bridge between South Carolina’s storied athletic past and its exciting future with Nike.
Fan Anticipation Rising
The big question now is whether Nike will make these exclusive sneakers available to fans. With the buzz surrounding the A’One “Gamecocks” colorway, a retail release could generate massive demand, not just in Columbia but among sneaker collectors nationwide.
For now, though, the excitement is focused on seeing South Carolina athletes hit the field and court in brand-new Nike gear this season — officially marking the start of a new era for the Gamecock.
