CHICAGO – The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Department of Athletics announced Monday it has extended its partnership with adidas as the school's official apparel, footwear, and uniform provider. In addition, Game One will come on board as the department's service provider of adidas products.
 
"Our enhanced agreement with adidas is among the best mid-major partnerships nationally and better provides for our 300 student-athlete across 18 varsity sports," said Director of Athletics Michael Lipitz. "Special thanks to Deputy AD Frank Cuervo and Dan Gale and his team at LEONA for their leadership throughout this process."
 
"Game One, in joint partnership with adidas, is pleased to have been selected as the provider of leading sports apparel and equipment that is consistent with the rich history of UIC," said Jimmy Van Epps, Area Vice President of Game One. "Equipping athletes to perform at the highest level is the mission of our partnership with the Flames athletic program."
 
The new five-year agreement will run through the 2027-28 academic year and extends the more than decade-long relationship between adidas and UIC.
 
"When you think of adidas, you think of excellence and success," said men's basketball coach Luke Yaklich. "adidas is one of the premiere brands in college sports and our program is honored to continue wearing the three stripes logo for many years to come. We are equally excited to work with Game One to outfit our program and provide the most technologically-advanced clothing and equipment in the world."
 
"This is a monumental day for our program and the entire athletics department," said women's basketball head coach Ashleen Bracey. "Our program strives to be the best in everything we do and continuing to partner with one of the top brands in the world will help us achieve our goals."

The 2022-23 academic year is UIC's first as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC). UIC is one of four MVC schools currently outfitted by adidas.
 
About UIC Athletics
 
The UIC Department of Athletics supports 18 NCAA Division I sports programs comprised of 300 student-athletes and 85 coaches and staff.
 
Since earning Division I status in 1981, UIC has amassed 75 conference championships and made 47 NCAA postseason appearances. In addition, 20 Flames have achieved All-America status, 83 have earned recognition as Player of the Year, and 55 coaches have been honored as Coach of the Year.

The Flames compete in the Missouri Valley Conference, a league that features 12 public and private institutions that each have impressive academic reputations as well as storied traditions of broad-based athletic programs.

About adidas
 
adidas is a global leader in the sporting goods industry and one of the premiere apparel brands in college athletics. adidas is currently partnered with more than 100 Division I athletics departments across the United States.
 
About Game One
 
Game One is one of the largest and fastest-growing sports equipment and apparel suppliers in the country, serving a loyal customer base of 13,000 schools, including multiple Division I athletic programs. The company provides quality products through established relationships with big-name brands, such as adidas.
 
About UIC
 
UIC stands alone as Chicago's largest institution and only public research university. The 50,000 members of the campus community and the more than 325,000 living alumni embody the pride and spirit of our great city. We are, and will always remain, For Chicago