The University of South Carolina is preparing for a major change in its athletics department, a uniform switch that will official end a nearly two-decade long partnership. On Thursday, multiple outlets confirmed that the Gamecocks are expected to move from Under Armour to Nike as the school's official apparel provider. The Post and Courier's David Cloniger was the first to report the news, with GamecockCentral later confirming. South Carolina's Board of Trustees will meet on Friday morning with a vote on an "athletics apparel agreement" listed on the agenda.
End of an Era with Under Armour
South Carolina has partnered with Under Armor since 2007, a contract that was valued at $71.5 million over 10 years. At the time, it was the second-largest apparel agreement in the SEC and one of the most lucrative in the country. The deal runs through June 30, 2026, and includes a clause that allows both parties to seek new opportunities if mutually agreed upon. According to the Post and Courier, South Carolina and Under Armour elected to part ways, opening the door for an agreement with Nike.
Nike Era Begins in 2026
If approved, the change won't take place immediately. The Gamecocks will remain in Under Armour gear through the 2025-26 academic year, with Nike officially taking over starting 2026-27. Fans can expect to see the Nike "swoosh" to appear across all garnet and black uniforms beginning that fall.
Both athletic director Jeremiah Donati and associate AD Wesley Mallette bring Nike experience to Columbia. Donati previously guided TCU through a re-signing process with Nike, while Mallette played a key role in UC-Riverside's first Nike/BSN Sports contract.
Shifting SEC Landscape
South Carolina is not the only SEC program shaking up their apparel alignment. Auburn ended an 18 year-relationship with Under Armor this summer, also switching to Nike. Meanwhile, Tennessee is leaving Nike for a lucrative, 10-year, $100 million deal with Adidas beginning in 2026, which also includes enhanced NIL opportunities for Volunteer athletes.
With the Gamecocks' move to Nike, Under Armour will officially have no remaining foothold in the SEC.
What's Next?
The Board of Trustees meeting begins at 9 a.m. Friday, where the details of the Nike contract are expected to be finalized. While the final figures are not yet known, the deal is expected to be competitive with other major contracts in college athletics. For now, South Carolina fans can circle 2026 as the start of a new era, when the swoosh replaces the interlocking UA logo across Williams-Brice Stadium, Colonial Life Aren, Founders Park, and every field in Columbia.