Northwestern Athletics and Under Armour Announce Landmark 10-Year Partnership Extension Through 2037
Northwestern University Athletics and Under Armour announce a landmark 10-year extension of their apparel and equipment partnership, keeping the Wildcats outfitted by the Baltimore-based global performance brand through at least 2037. The agreement extends the current contract set to expire in 2027 and represents the most comprehensive and forward-looking apparel partnership in Northwestern Athletics history.
Northwestern first signed with Under Armour in 2011, making the Wildcats Under Armour’s inaugural Big Ten partner, with teams outfitted in Under Armour beginning in 2012.
"Under Armour is proud to extend our partnership with Northwestern University and continue to support the next generation of Wildcats student-athletes," said Craig Cummings, Vice President, Team Sports at Under Armour. "For more than a decade, we've worked together to equip Wildcats Athletics with innovative performance products designed to help their student-athletes train and compete at their highest level. As we look ahead, this extension reflects our shared commitment to performance innovation, elevated storytelling, enhanced NIL opportunities, and deeper collaboration with student-athletes. As Northwestern begins a new chapter, we look forward to building on the university's incredible momentum and continuing to create meaningful experiences that inspire and empower the Wildcats for years to come.”
Craig Cummings
Under Armour Vice President, Team Sports
The partnership has coincided with the most successful era in Northwestern Athletics history, including the Wildcats winning national championships in lacrosse, field hockey, and women’s golf, capturing more than 25 conference championships across all sports, earning two Big Ten Championship Game appearances in football, securing men’s basketball’s first NCAA Tournament berth in 2017, followed by back-to-back tournament appearances in 2023 and 2024.
The extension expands the partnership across five areas: a commitment to new uniform design created in collaboration with student-athletes, an investment in Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, increased marketing support, expanded retail reach and enhanced performance gear for all 21 varsity programs.
"Under Armour is an extraordinary partner for Northwestern Athletics — one that has invested in celebrating our student-athletes and elevating who we are as a program. From the very beginning, Under Armour brought energy, innovation, and a commitment to excellence that mirrors our values. Together, we have celebrated championships, iconic victories, and the unveiling of world-class facilities, all the while building the brand of around our elite academic and athletic profile. As we enter our next era at New Ryan Field, I am excited about what we are building together. The enhancements in this agreement reflect a shared ambition to compete and win at the highest level. With Kevin Plank back at the helm of Under Armour and the brand's renewed focus on performance, innovation, and storytelling, Northwestern Athletics is well-positioned for what lies ahead."
Mark Jackson
Combe Family Vice President for Athletics & Recreation, Northwestern University
Partnership Highlights
Specialty & Innovative Uniform Design — Under Armour commits to an elevated, thoughtful approach to uniform design, collaborating directly with Northwestern student-athletes to develop specialty and alternate jersey packages for marquee contests across key programs. Student-athletes will have a meaningful voice in creating the designs that resonate on the field and in the stands, building on the program’s distinctive identity as a top 10 academic institution competing in one of the most elite athletic conferences.
Expanded NIL Flexibility — The agreement includes significant Name, Image, and Likeness initiatives, unlocking new opportunities for Northwestern student-athletes to partner with Under Armour, leverage the brand’s global platform, and gain hands-on experience alongside UA’s innovation and design teams.
Increased Marketing Investment — Under Armour will meaningfully increase its annual marketing support for Northwestern Athletics, including co-branded campaigns, digital content, and high-visibility promotional activations that amplify the ‘Cats national profile.
Broader Retail Presence — Under Armour is committed to a curated and expanded retail footprint, ensuring fans have access to premium Northwestern-branded Under Armour product that reflects the quality and character of the Wildcats’ brand — both locally in Chicago and nationally.
World-Class Performance Equipment & Apparel — All 21 of Northwestern’s varsity programs will receive best-in-class performance gear with enhanced allocations, ensuring every Wildcat trains and competes in Under Armour’s most innovative footwear and apparel and uses elite equipment — the same technology trusted by top athletes across the globe.