CHARLESTON, Ill. – The Eastern Illinois University Athletics Department announced today (April 18) an apparel agreement with NIKE and BSN SPORTS, the nation's largest direct marketer and distributor of sporting goods to the school and league markets, and a division of Varsity Brands. Through this partnership, BSN SPORTS will serve as the official apparel and equipment provider for the Eastern Illinois Athletic Program and outfit the university's athletes, coaches and community members in premier NIKE product selection, effective July 1, 2024.
The partnership, which extends over the next five years, will make BSN SPORTS the Panthers exclusive provider of apparel, footwear, and other equipment needs, which will be highlighted by the outfitting of teams in NIKE.
"This agreement between Eastern Illinois University, BSN SPORTS, and NIKE is a tremendous added value for coaches, student athletes and administrators involved with Eastern Illinois Athletics," said Vice President of BSN SPORTS' Collegiate Select Program, Todd Northrop. "We are dedicated to elevating the program experience for the Panther coaches and teams by providing the best possible service, unparalleled access to premier team equipment and apparel and expansive branding resources. This partnership will further support the University's growing athletic brand and fan base, outfitting Panther student-athletes with leading gear to perform at the top of their game and giving coaches time back to invest in positively impacting their athletes."
"NIKE is synonymous with a level of excellence and championship quality and that is what we strive for our Eastern Illinois student-athletes both in their sport of competition and in aspects of their life," said EIU Athletic Director Tom Michael. "This opportunity to partner with NIKE and BSN SPORTS, the leaders in the sports apparel industry, will only help to enhance the experience we are able to provide for our Panther student-athletes. We are excited to enter into this partnership and continue to grow the success of our athletic department."
Eastern Illinois is set to make the move to BSN SPORTS/NIKE as the Panthers currently lead the Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner's Cup standings which is presented to the top performing athletic department in the league. Since last spring EIU has won OVC Championships in baseball, softball, volleyball, men's and women's cross country with the Panthers football team finishing the regular season ranked in the FCS Top 25.
The new contract provides EIU Athletics with the best apparel and footwear provider in the world and ensures EIU Athletics brand consistency for years to come.
About BSN SPORTS
Farmers Branch-based BSN SPORTS is a leading marketer, manufacturer and distributor of sporting goods apparel and equipment. A division of Varsity Brands, BSN SPORTS markets and distributes its products to over 150,000 institutional and team sports customers in colleges and universities, middle and high schools, and recreational programs throughout the United States via catalog, e-commerce, and direct sales. Focused on providing game-changing solutions through local partnerships, multi-brand selection and one-stop shopping for equipment and uniforms, BSN SPORTS' more than 3,000 employees have been helping elevate participation in team sports since 1972. For more information about BSN SPORTS please visit
www.BSNSPORTS.com. For more information regarding Collegiate Partnership opportunities with BSN SPORTS, please contact BSN SPORTS Vice President of Collegiate Select Partnerships Todd Northrop at
tnorthrop@bsnsports.com.
About Eastern Illinois
Eastern Illinois is a public comprehensive university located in Charleston, Illinois, that offers superior, accessible undergraduate and graduate education. EIU competes at the NCAA Division I level (FCS for football) offering 21 sports that compete in the Ohio Valley Conference. EIU has affiliate membership in the Horizon League (men's tennis) and Summit League (men's & women's swimming). During the past year EIU has made NCAA Tournament appearances in baseball, softball and volleyball while earning conference championships in men's and women's cross country. The Panthers football team was ranked in the FCS Top 25 this past season.
