The Big Orange are keeping their particular Pantone 151 shade of Orange, but the logo on the uniforms is changing from Nike to adidas on July 1, 2026. Adidas becomes the official apparel supplier in a record-breaking 10-year deal that plans to make the Vols the brand’s flagship college program while paying Tennessee athletes for their name, image and likeness. In other words, Tennessee will be to adidas what Oregon is to Nike and Notre Dame is to Under Armour.
Tennessee and adidas are reuniting as partners for the first time since 2014, as adidas has reportedly sought that reunion for at least a decade.
“Our mission is to build the premier athletics department in the country and to lead the way in college sports. Partnering with adidas is an ideal fit, as their mission is to be the best sports brand in the world,” said University of Tennessee Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Danny White. “There is no denying the resurgence of Tennessee Athletics, powered by the greatest fan base in all of sports. Our strong licensing numbers, impressive television ratings, and sold-out venues all reflect this. adidas recognized our potential and responded with one of the best apparel deals in the history of college sports, prioritizing Vol Nation and the Tennessee brand.”
“This partnership provides us with a significant advantage in the ever-evolving landscape of college sports. We take pride in our fan base and the competitive edge they offer us. We refuse to partner with someone who does not feel the same way.”
For their part, adidas seems just as excited as the UT Athletic Department. “This marks an important moment for our organization as we reestablish our partnership with the University of Tennessee, who shares our commitment to providing student athletes and fans with best-in-class product and opportunities that not only elevate college athletics, but redefine the future of college sports,” said John Miller, adidas President, North America.
“The role of a college athletics sideline partner has changed dramatically in the 11 years since we last partnered with Tennessee Athletics,” said Chris McGuire, adidas Vice President of Sports Marketing, North America. “adidas is establishing a new standard for investment in NIL with this partnership that will sustain UT’s powerful athletics program as the university continues competing for championships for years to come.”
“From my days rocking the orange and white to now leading on and off the court, adidas has always had my back with the best gear and support,” said Candace Parker, two-time national champ with the Lady Vols and adidas President of Women’s Basketball. “Seeing adidas link back up with Tennessee feels like coming full circle. I know this partnership is going to open a ton of doors for the next generation of Vols — and I couldn’t be more hype about it.”
Already, adidas is working to land NIL deals with Tennessee student-athletes during the 2025-2026 school year before the brand’s partnership with UT officially commences in July. Once the partnership begins, every Tennessee student-athlete will be eligible to participate in adidas’ wide-sweeping NIL Ambassador Network, which gives all student-athletes at adidas-partnered Division I schools the chance to benefit from their Name, Image and Likeness.
“From day one of these conversations, adidas has assured us that the existing design ethos of Tennessee Athletics is critically important to their ambitions for our brand,” said Alicia Longworth, University of Tennessee Deputy Athletics Director/Chief Marketing Officer. “We see immense potential in leveraging adidas’ legacy in culture and sport to further enhance the work of collegiate athletics’ most talented creative team.”
Supported by the brand’s superior gear, uniforms and more, adidas will bolster UT’s standing as the No. 1 school for licensed apparel sales nationwide by providing industry-leading apparel options for Tennessee’s devoted fanbase.
Beyond uniforms, adidas will unveil a broader collection of University of Tennessee fan apparel and footwear when the partnership officially commences next summer.
Steve Gill is Publisher of TriStar Daily and an avid VFL, former UT basketball player.
