Report: Nike close to deal for NBA apparel rights
The Association is reportedly close to having a new outfitter.
Nike is on the verge of signing a long-term deal to outfit the NBA, according to Sports Business Daily's Terry Lefton.
Sources say that the league and the manufacturer have come to terms on the framework of a deal, but are still some distance from signing it. The new deal is reportedly set to be in place for the 2017-18 season and could see both the Nike swoosh and Jordan Brand Jumpman logo appearing on NBA jerseys.
Adidas, who had signed an 11-year deal with the NBA in 2006, dropped out of the bidding to extend its partnership with the league in March.
Since Adidas ended its reign as the NBA's uniform supplier, Under Armour and Nike have reportedly been in the running to replace them. The Sports Business Daily report notes that Nike's global reach gives the company a big advantage over Under Armour. According to Matthew Kish of the Portland Business Journal, Nike had $13.8 billion in sales outside North America in its most recent fiscal year and Under Armour's $288 million pales in comparison.
Adidas's uniform deal runs through 2017.