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AFL I Arena Football League (1987-2008)

NIKE to dress AFL from head-to-toe in 2004

June 3, 2004 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release


NEW YORK – The Arena Football League today announced the first-ever exclusive "head-to-toe" uniform supplier/apparel partnership in its 18-year history.

The AFL has entered into a three-year marketing partnership with NIKE, who will serve as the AFL's Official Uniform, Sideline Headwear, and Sideline Apparel Supplier through 2007. As an Official AFL Arena Authentic supplier and retail licensee, NIKE will develop a customized uniform silhouette specific to the AFL.

"NIKE represents an important step in our quest to align our brand with innovative and opportunistic partners who believe in our product and its long-term growth prospects," said GLENN HORINE, Executive Vice President, AFL Properties. "This agreement continues our strategy of building brand awareness and consumer demand with blue-chip marketing partners. NIKE will trail blaze our marketing efforts with team licensed product never before out at retail."

All aspects of a previous three-year agreement announced in February that designated NIKE as the AFL's Official Glove, Footwear and Performance Wear Supplier are incorporated into this agreement.

"In Arena Football, each player on the field has unique responsibilities within the team's game plan. But the overall goal remains the same—excellence in the execution of each and every play," said BILL KELLAR, NIKE Director, Football Sports Marketing. "NIKE uniforms, footwear and gloves are designed to help the AFL's world-class athletes perform at the very highest level. Every play. Every situation. Every game. That's why NIKE is proud to be in partnership with the AFL. "

The agreement includes all teams except for Dallas and Philadelphia, who have pre-existing uniform agreements but who will wear NIKE footwear, gloves and performance wear. Following is a breakdown of each element of the agreement:

Product Supplier

For the 2005-07 seasons, NIKE will provide jersey tops and bottoms, footwear, gloves, performance wear, skull caps, T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, polos, wristbands, socks and headwear.

NIKE will also provide special-event product when appropriate, including Official Locker Room T-Shirts and Headwear for the ArenaBowl champions.

Retail Licensee

For the first time ever, the AFL's Arena Authentics program – jerseys, polos, hats, and T-shirts -- will be available to consumers at national retailers. Champs Sports, the AFL's Official Athletic Retailer, has already made a commitment to carry the NIKE Arena Authentics product.

Products available at retail will include authentic and replica jerseys, T-shirts and headwear. All on-field apparel and equipment will carry the exclusive Arena Authentics crest. Fans should look for the crest when purchasing Arena Authentics on-field apparel.

Marketing Partner

NIKE is committed to marketing the Arena Football League at retail and also supporting the AFL's championship events as the Official Headwear and Apparel provider of the AFL playoffs, including ArenaBowl XVIII.

Designer

NIKE and the AFL will work jointly on developing a league-wide uniform style that will provide the League with its own customized uniform silhouette. In addition, every team will have the opportunity to redesign its uniform.

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Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from June 3, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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