Adidas and Patrick Mahomes have announced the signing of six Texas Tech University student-athletes to NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, making them the inaugural members of "Team Mahomes." This announcement follows a recent groundbreaking 10-year partnership between Adidas and Texas Tech, making Adidas the official footwear, uniform, apparel, and accessory partner of the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
The journey for these athletes began with a surprise visit from Patrick Mahomes to Texas Tech’s campus, where they were officially welcomed as the first members of "Team Mahomes." Each athlete received custom Mahomes gear as part of the announcement. These student-athletes, representing various sports including football, baseball, basketball, golf, soccer, and softball, will participate in brand marketing campaigns, including promotions for Mahomes’ signature shoe and apparel line with Adidas.
Patrick Mahomes expressed his excitement about the partnership and the selection of these athletes. He highlighted that the collaboration with Adidas focused not only on athletic excellence but also on selecting individuals who embody the leadership and dedication that define a "Team Mahomes" athlete. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to elevate Texas Tech's status in college sports, with more exciting developments on the horizon.
Adidas’ partnership with Texas Tech continues to grow and evolve. Chris McGuire, Vice President of Sports Marketing at Adidas, emphasized the importance of long-term investment in sports, which is reflected in their support for these athletes. The goal of this partnership is to establish Texas Tech as a leading force in collegiate sports, with the creation of "Team Mahomes" serving as a significant milestone.
In addition to creating "Team Mahomes," Patrick Mahomes announced a significant donation to support major sports projects at Texas Tech. This donation will help complete the $240 million South End Zone and Dustin R. Womble Football Center project, the largest facility investment in the university’s history, which is set to open this season.
Beyond the six selected athletes, all eligible student-athletes at Texas Tech have the opportunity to join Adidas’ NIL Ambassador Network. This network allows student-athletes from Adidas-partnered Division 1 schools to benefit from their Name, Image, and Likeness. Since its inception, over 12,000 athletes nationwide have participated in the network, earning a percentage of sales from key product campaigns.
The partnership between Adidas, Patrick Mahomes, and Texas Tech University is more than just a business deal; it’s a commitment to supporting future leaders in sports. As these six athletes embark on their journey with "Team Mahomes," they represent a bright future for collegiate sports and the ongoing legacy of excellence at Texas Tech.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.