Tennessee To Officially Reunite With Adidas In 2026, Ending Nike Partnership

Image: Tennessee Athletics

By Aidan Sidoti

It’s officially the end of an era in Rocky Top. 

After more than a decade rocking the signature Nike swoosh, UT Athletics will reunite with Adidas as its official provider beginning July 1, 2026, per ESPN’s Chris Low.

The move finalizes a 13-year run with Nike, which began in 2014 and saw the Volunteers introduce some of its most iconic looks.

Image: Tennessee Athletics

Perhaps we could bring back these iconic Smokey greys from the 2013 Georgia contest?

Tennessee previously partnered with Adidas from 1995 to 2014, which included the Vols’ 1998 National Championship in football. 

Through its partnership with Nike, the university is expected to receive $1.2 million in 2025-26, along with $4.5 million annually in product allotment, per On3’s Nick Schultz. 

Full terms of the deal with Adidas haven’t been released yet, but the partnership could pave the way for expanded NIL opportunities for Tennessee student-athletes. Adidas has taken a more aggressive approach to NIL than Nike, centering around collegiate athletes and launching initiatives allowing athletes to monetize their personal brands through Adidas products.