PISCATAWAY – When the clock struck midnight to begin the month of July, the "Three Stripe Life" officially launched "On the Banks." Via a partnership originally announced on Feb. 13, adidas is now the official athletic footwear, apparel and accessory brand of the Scarlet Knights through the 2023-24 season.

"The excitement has continually grown since the initial announcement," said Director of Athletics Pat Hobbs. "adidas is a global brand that makes an impact not just athletically, but socially, due to its innovative design and initiatives. The positive sentiment that we receive from student-athletes and recruits on a daily basis is tremendous. adidas is the ideal partner for us to enhance and expand our brand."

New Rutgers adidas gear is available via adidas.com and rutgersshop.com. 

With the all-school deal, adidas will outfit RU's 24 athletic teams, including new strategic uniforms for the football and basketball teams. Additionally, Rutgers receives adidas' product & marketing expertise and the two will collaborate on marketing opportunities and the development and enhancement of the licensed retail landscape on campus.

adidas' employs more than 60,000 people in over 160 countries and produces more than 840 million product units every year. The Portland-based company's multi-brand strategy enables it to tackle opportunities from several perspectives, as both a mass and a niche player, always providing distinct and relevant products. In this way, adidas brands and their sub-brands all keep their unique identity. Shares in adidas rose to a record high this spring, after the sportswear firm outpaced rival Nike in North America and China. 

Collegiate partners of adidas include fellow Power Five conference members Nebraska, Indiana, Kansas, Arizona State, Miami (Fla.), Texas A&M, Louisville, Mississippi State and North Carolina State. Among the industry leader's brand ambassadors are Lionel Messi, Kristaps Porzingis, Katy Perry, James Harden, Kanye West, Kendall Jenner and Von Miller.

adidas recently opened its global flagship store in New York City, just a few blocks from Times Square on 5th Ave. The store is four floors and measures 45,000 square feet.

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