Patrick Johnson 
Say goodbye to sleeved jerseys – at least in the NBA. The three stripes will not be extending their NBA contract to be the only provider of official merchandise and uniforms for the league after their contract expires in 2017. Instead, adidas Hoops is redirecting their plan of action for their basketball lineup, planning to double their roster from 70 current players to 140 by 2020. This comes after speculation (or the obvious notion) that both Nike and Under Armour are willing to shell out a significant portion to steal the rights to design the NBA’s uniforms and apparel. The current deal was signed all the way back in 2006 for $400 million, but with the NBA’s growth spurt in both popularity and financial revenue (a new TV deal is on the horizon which promises exponential growth in league finances) perhaps the three stripes looked into the future and realized they didn’t want to pay a heavy increase or partake in a bidding war.
According to sources close to the situation, adidas falling to third in U.S. sales behind both Nike and Under Armour played a role in the NBA’s readiness to open up the bidding process. Couple that in with the fact that the NBA contract wasn’t as lucrative as adidas had hoped initially with some uneasiness with adidas’ recent change in leadership (adidas announced it is actively looking for a new CEO to replace Herbert Hainer) and it’s clear why the two brands are parting ways.That leaves Nike and Under Armour to bid against each other once again – something the two are already familiar with thanks to last summer’s Kevin Durant saga. But how will UA stack up against the Swoosh when the entire league is at stake? Who would you like to see win? Let us know in the comments section.
Source: BizJournals/ ESPN
Exclusive: Adidas drops bid to extend NBA deal, redraws basketball strategy: http://t.co/Hk2svSJAjU pic.twitter.com/DRnQN0BHKQ
— Matthew Kish (@matthewkish) March 16, 2015
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In lieu of extending NBA deal, @adidasHoops will turn focus to better products, more marketing, increased partnerships with teams, players.
— Matthew Kish (@matthewkish) March 16, 2015
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In lieu of extending NBA deal, @adidasHoops will turn focus to better products, more marketing, increased partnerships with teams, players.
— Matthew Kish (@matthewkish) March 16, 2015
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.@adidas has been @NBA apparel partner since 2006. Deal runs through 2017. @Nike and @UnderArmour expected to bid on it.
— Matthew Kish (@matthewkish) March 16, 2015
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New @adidasHoops strategy includes new designers and new innovation team. New-look products expected as soon as next spring.
— Matthew Kish (@matthewkish) March 16, 2015
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