REPORT: Penn State set to drop Nike, join Adidas

A relationship more than three decades in the making – and one synonymous with the Penn State football brand – could soon be nearing its end.

According to a new report from On3’s Brett McMurphy on Tuesday, Penn State is preparing to switch its apparel provider from Nike to Adidas. All that is still needed to make the change is final approval from the school’s Board of Trustees.

The Board’s committees are set to meet next Thursday, September 11, with a full Board meeting the following day.

Penn State has been a Nike school since 1993. The details of when, or how, a transition would be made is still unclear.

If a change did occur, the Nittany Lions would become the latest major program to leave Nike. In August, Tennessee returned to Adidas, signing a lucrative 10-year deal with the apparel provider.

Update: September 2, 2025, at 5:55 p.m.

Penn State athletics released the following statement:

“Penn State athletics is conducting a request for proposal (RFP) for its future apparel partnership and evaluating various opportunities. This process will enable Penn State athletics to identify the best partner to support our student-athletes, coaches, and fans.”

This is a breaking news story. We will update relevant information as necessary. 

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