Athletic apparel maker Adidas has signed a $13 million contract with Miami-Dade County (Fla.) Public Schools to outfit every student-athlete from the 40 high schools that make up the Greater Miami Athletic Conference.
According to the local NBC affiliate, the deal is worth $13.5 million for five years. The district held a fashion show of sorts, with hundreds of athletes on the field at Traz Powell Stadium, showing off their new uniforms and gear.
“From Miami-Dade County Public Schools, we provide an amazing pipeline of talent into sports, not only at the state level, but also at the national level, so we are again, promoting, validating, embracing the incredible talent that we have in MDCPS,” said superintendent Dr. Jose Dotres.
Prior to the deal, schools had to fund their own uniforms, which won't be the case after the deal was signed.
“It’s about the athlete, the student athlete, it really is, our commitment to investing in sport, this is really the epitome of our strategy and our mission, which is really serving athletes from the brand perspective, we’re about sport and serving the kids,” said Kelly Morris of Adidas.
NBC reports that Adidas is investing in future star athletes, and they also get most of the profit from a new website set up by the school district. The site features official Adidas-brand merchandise for all the local high schools.
Adidas also gets naming rights. Traz Powell Stadium will be Adidas Field at Traz Powell Stadium.
