After a few days of speculation, Penn State made it official that it will be leaving Nike for Adidas in 2026. The new deal became public from a video posted on Penn State Athletics on Friday.

𝑽𝑰𝑰.𝑰.𝑴𝑴𝑿𝑿𝑽𝑰 pic.twitter.com/tQM9EEbfSI

— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports) September 5, 2025

Penn State has been with Nike since 1993, providing everything from jerseys to apparel for the school. The deal was likely the cause of Joe Paterno having his players wear Nike shoes in 1983 and then becoming close the the CEO and Founder of Nike, Phil Knight. As the deal was one of the first of its kind, Penn State and Nike have become synonymous over the years.

Now, as college athletics are in constant flux, the Nittany Lions have chosen to make the switch to Adidas. The deal is set for 10 years and will make Adidas the official footwear, uniform, apparel, and sideline partner of Penn State.

“Adidas is making an unprecedented commitment to Penn State: delivering record investment in our department, groundbreaking NIL and marketing opportunities, and access to technology and innovation that no other program can match.” Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Pat Kraft said in a statement. “This agreement sets a new industry standard, fueling championship performances, empowering our student-athletes to grow their personal brands, and creating unmatched platforms for them to shine on the national and global stage. Together, we’re building something that will transform what’s possible for Penn State Athletics and for every student-athlete who wears the Blue & White.”

Adidas has made a push in recent years to take over the college athletics realm. Over the summer, the brand made headlines by flipping Tennessee back from Nike to Adidas. The SEC school likely received a similar package to the Nittany Lions.

The global brand also has deals with teams like Arizona State, Texas A&M, and Miami. In the Big Ten, Adidas has a history with Rutgers and Indiana, recently closing a 10-year deal with the Hoosiers as well.

“Adidas is committed to partnering with universities like Penn State that possess rich tradition and championship potential in equal measure. We see this new agreement as a unique opportunity for us to help shape the next chapter of Penn State Athletics while staying true to everything that makes the Nittany Lions an iconic brand,” Adidas President John Miller said.

Penn State will officially make the switch to the three strips on July 1, 2026. Before that date, Adidas and the Nittany Lion will work on “high-impact NIL agreements” and personal marketing campaigns for student athletes in all of Penn State’s sports.

All Penn State athletes will also be eligible for Adidas’ wide-ranging NIL Ambassador Network, allowing for the full potential of NIL to be used.

Adidas has partnered with former Penn State football players Micah Parsons and Abdul Carter already. Carter was used to help announce the groundbreaking partnership.

“Penn State helped mold me into the man I am today, and I’ve experienced firsthand how adidas invests in their athletes with the same championship mindset I adopted in Happy Valley. This partnership is about refusing to settle for anything less than the best for my fellow Nittany Lions — I can’t wait to watch us dominate in the Three Stripes,” Micah Parsons said.