News - 02/06/2004

Arena Football League

AFL & Nike Announce Multi-Year Partnership

NEW YORK – The Arena Football League today announced a three-year national partnership with Nike, who will serve as the AFL’s Official Glove, Footwear and Performance Wear Supplier. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“Nike is a worldwide marketing leader and we are excited that they have chosen to enhance the relationship beyond our previous one-year agreement, “said GLENN HORINE, the Executive Vice President, AFL Properties. “This is another step forward in developing a world-class Arena Authentics program both on and off the field.”

In the renewal agreement, the company upgraded it previous designation adding the Performance-Wear category including compression garments. Nike will also continue its role as the sole athletic shoe and glove outfitter to all AFL teams.

“Nike is thrilled to be continuing and expanding our relationship with the AFL and its players,” said BILL KELLAR, Nike Director Category Football. “As the leading supplier of footwear and gloves to NFL and collegiate players, Nike is excited to be able to work with the AFL and its players to bring the best in performance enhancing footwear and gloves to the AFL. Additionally, Nike feels that the AFL, along with MLB beginning in 2005, will be great platforms to showcase our innovative Pro-Compression apparel.”

Nike joins a growing list of suppliers in the Arena Authentics program. Antigua recently renewed its partnership as the Official Sideline Apparel of AFL Coaches and Sideline Personnel. As such, Antigua will supply polo shirts to all team sideline personnel, including coaches, trainers, chain gang and ball boys for 2004. In its second season of a two-year deal, Drew Pearson Marketing will serve as the AFL’s Official Sideline Headwear Supplier for 2004. All coaches, players and sideline personnel will be outfitted with Drew Pearson hats. Riddell is the Official Helmet Supplier for all AFL teams through 2005. The company provides AFL teams with several helmet models, including the new “Revolution,” which is designed to reduce concussions. Spalding has designed and will supply the AFL’s new official game ball through 2007.

All on-field apparel and equipment will carry the exclusive Arena Authentics crest. When the 2004 season begins, fans should look for the crest when purchasing Arena Authentics on-field apparel.

About Nike

NIKE, Inc. based in Beaverton, Oregon is the world’s leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned Nike subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Bauer NIKE Hockey Inc., a leading designer and distributor of hockey equipment; Cole Haan®, which designs, markets, and distributes fine dress and casual shoes and accessories; and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories.

About Arena Football League

Often recognized as one of the nation's most affordable and fan-friendly sports leagues, the Arena Football League, the second-longest running football league in U.S. history, will begin its 18th season in February 2004. On the strength of its Mission Statement and Fans' Bill of Rights, the AFL is America's fastest growing sport. The Austin Wranglers join the Philadelphia Soul and New Orleans VooDoo as the three expansion teams added for the 2004 season. At least two more teams will be added in each of the next two seasons. A network-TV sport, the AFL will celebrate its second season on NBC in 2004.