Is Damian Lillard Leaving Adidas?

Is Damian Lillard, the rising star of the Portland Trail Blazers, about to opt out? No, this isn’t about his contract with the Portland Trail Blazers when he was drafted in 2012. It’s about his shoe deal with Adidas. Damian Lillard signed a shoe endorsement deal during his rookie year with Adidas and it has incentives which allows him to opt out of his contract. 

Sport For Thought: Is Under Armour to Blame for the US Speed Skating Debacle?

The major story at the conclusion of the 2014 Sochi Olympics were no longer about the hotels being unfinished, or spying in showers, or even only four out of the five Olympic rings lighting up during the opening ceremonies. Instead, the topic of discussion was the United State's lack of medals in speed skating, which was a promising event heading into the start of the Games.

Under Armour: Making Big Moves

Under Armour has been clawing its way into the sporting goods industry for almost two decades now. They may finally be making moves that will solidify their well built brand. The big news of late was the historic signing of Notre Dame within the past week. Signing Notre Dame is the equivalent of getting to check mate in chess. Notre Dame football is big business. They are the second most valuable college football team in the country behind the University of Texas. In a Forbes article written by Monte Burke, University Vice President and Director of Athletics Jack Swarbrick said that “the largest financial commitment ever made by a brand to a university.”. In 2008 the University of Michigan signed an $8.2 million annual cash and equipment deal which was the largest ever. This deal could very well be upwards of $100 million total. You can read more about this major deal in Alexa Fontanella’s article for The Sports Complex.

Innovation Is Key: Under Armour and Notre Dame Join Forces

    

Under Armour is taking over the world of college sports. Although this statement may not be completely accurate, the company sure is making major deals to compete with fellow competitors Nike and Adidas. The company endorses top athletes such as Michael Phelps, Tom Brady, Lindsey Vonn, and Cam Newton, as well as becoming the official apparel provider to the up and coming National Lacrosse League. However, most recently Under Armour has shown much interest in college football by providing Auburn's uniforms in the national championship game and most recently signing a $100 million dollar equipment deal with Notre Dame.