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UCLA Apparel Hot Takes – Adidas, Nike, or Under Armour?

By Nathan Eberhardt

Nov 1, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Ainuu Taua (35) looks on during the second quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Ainuu Taua (35) looks on during the second quarter against the Arizona Wildcats at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 20, 2015; Fairhope, AL, USA; South squad team sporting neon orange Under Armour shoes for the 2015 Senior Bowl during practice at Fairhope Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2015; Fairhope, AL, USA; South squad team sporting neon orange Under Armour shoes for the 2015 Senior Bowl during practice at Fairhope Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

We Must Protect This House

The fact that Under Armour has a proven record of respecting clean, classic looks is encouraging. The fact that Under Armour is rumored to have posted the highest bid is also encouraging. But the chief reason to go with Under Armour is that they will be motivated to work for UCLA.

Jan 2, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Team Highlight player Tyrie Cleveland in the Under Armour All American Football Game at the Orlando Citrus Bowl. Team Highlight beat Team Armour 27-0. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Team Highlight player Tyrie Cleveland in the Under Armour All American Football Game at the Orlando Citrus Bowl. Team Highlight beat Team Armour 27-0. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

If you haven’t read Ethan Strauss’ piece for ESPN on how Nike lost Steph Curry to Under Armour, you really need to go do that. But the applicable theme here is that Under Armour is moving heaven and earth to sign premier athletes and teams and to compete with Nike in the endorsement business.

UCLA has the chance to be a part of Under Armour’s innovative and aggressive push to become a national brand. To be the prize fish in a rapidly growing pond. To be the showcase example of what Under Armour can do for a team.

I know there are vague concerns about the quality of Under Armour’s cleats and whether they might increase risk of injury. I also know this very thing was something we suspected about Adidas back when Ben Olson and every other offensive lineman was going down with foot/ankle injuries.

Likewise, I know some people are worried about Nike and Adidas’ presence in the prep and AAU world, and that cutting those ties might make it harder to get top high school talent to look at UCLA. I would refer those people to one Myles Click-Clack Jack.

Next: Football Recruiting: Where Does UCLA Look to Now?

Regardless of who wins this contract, the first hurdle was letting Adidas’ exclusive window lapse so that the process could drive up the ultimate contract and so that the Athletic Department could see just how much leverage the shoe companies think UCLA has. There’s a windfall coming, and the uniforms are unlikely to get any WORSE.