COLUMBIA – Nike officially launched its 10-year partnership with the University of South Carolina on Monday by signing five of the school’s most recognizable student-athletes to its Blue Ribbon Elite Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) program.
The inaugural group includes women’s basketball standouts Joyce Edwards and Chloe Kitts, along with football players LaNorris Sellers, Nyck Harbor and Dylan Stewart.
The Blue Ribbon Elite program is designed to provide elite college athletes with opportunities that extend beyond traditional NIL agreements. Participants will have access to product innovation, brand campaigns, storytelling initiatives and long-term career development opportunities while working with Nike.
The announcement coincides with the first day of Nike serving as the official provider of uniforms, footwear, apparel and equipment for all 21 University of South Carolina varsity athletic programs under the new decade-long agreement.
University Athletics Director Jeremiah Donati said the partnership represents an exciting new chapter for Gamecock Athletics and reflects the university’s commitment to providing student-athletes with premier opportunities on and off the field.
Football coach Shane Beamer and women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley also praised the partnership, noting that the Blue Ribbon Elite program will provide additional resources and exposure for some of the nation’s top collegiate athletes.
Nike Executive Vice President of Global Sports Marketing Ann Miller said the company is committed to investing in student-athletes and helping them develop both as competitors and as future leaders through the Blue Ribbon Elite program.
The addition of the five Gamecock athletes expands Nike’s growing Blue Ribbon Elite roster while reinforcing the company’s investment in one of the nation’s leading collegiate athletic programs.
The announcement included comments from each of the student-athletes, along with downloadable images and additional media assets highlighting the launch of the partnership.
