New Athletic Apparel Partnerships for the University of South Carolina and the University of Tennessee
南卡羅來納大學與田納西大學簽署新體育服裝合作協議
Introduction
The University of South Carolina and the University of Tennessee have officially started new ten-year apparel contracts with Nike and Adidas, respectively, starting July 1.
南卡羅來納大學與田納西大學於 7 月 1 日正式開始與 Nike 及 Adidas 分別簽署為期十年的新服裝合約。
Main Body
The University of South Carolina has ended its nineteen-year relationship with Under Armour to sign a ten-year deal with Nike. This agreement is worth $70 million, including $5 million in cash and a $2.5 million product allowance, plus a 15% share of sales from branded gear. The contract also includes performance bonuses; for example, football bonuses add up from $10,000 for a conference championship to $100,000 for a national title. However, for basketball, baseball, and softball, only the highest bonus earned is paid. Additionally, the university is selling old equipment through the state surplus system and has secured a partnership with A'ja Wilson to provide her signature shoes and new uniforms for the 2026-27 season.
南卡羅來納大學結束了與 Under Armour 長達十九年的合作關係，轉而與 Nike 簽署一份十年協議。該協議價值 7,000 萬美元，其中包括 500 萬美元現金與 250 萬美元的產品津貼，外加品牌裝備銷售額的 15% 分成。合約還包括表現獎金；例如美式足球的獎金從分區冠軍的 1 萬美元，最高可達全國冠軍的 10 萬美元。然而，對於籃球、棒球和壘球，僅支付所獲得的最高單項獎金。此外，該大學正透過州政府的剩餘物資系統出售舊設備，並已與 A'ja Wilson 達成合作，將在 2026-27 賽季提供其簽名鞋與新制服。
At the same time, the University of Tennessee has switched from Nike to a ten-year partnership with Adidas. This return to a previous provider focuses heavily on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for athletes. To avoid previous design mistakes, the university's own creative team now has the final say on all designs to ensure they follow traditional styles. The new apparel will be released in stages starting July 6, with different colors including orange, white, 'Summitt blue,' and 'dark mode' being revealed one by one.
與此同時，田納西大學已從 Nike 轉向與 Adidas 建立為期十年的合作夥伴關係。這次回歸之前的供應商，重點在於為運動員創造姓名、形象與權益 (NIL) 的機會。為了避免之前的設計錯誤，該大學自身的創意團隊現在對所有設計擁有最終決定權，以確保其遵循傳統風格。新服裝將從 7 月 6 日起分階段發布，包括橙色、白色、「Summitt 藍」以及「深色模式」在內的各種顏色將依序揭曉。
Conclusion
Both universities have now begun their ten-year agreements, focusing on improving their finances and strengthening their brand identities.
兩所大學現已開始執行這兩份十年協議，重點在於改善財務狀況並強化其品牌認同。
Vocabulary Learning
⚡ The 'Action' Shift: Moving from Simple to Professional
An A2 student usually says: "They have a new contract." A B2 student says: "They have secured a partnership."
Look at the verbs in this text. They aren't just 'doing' things; they are 'managing' things. This is the secret to sounding more professional and fluent.
🛠️ The Power-Up Vocabulary
Instead of basic words, try these 'B2 Bridge' alternatives found in the text:
- Instead of "Got/Started" Secured (e.g., "Secured a partnership")
- Why? It implies effort and success, not just luck.
- Instead of "Changed" Switched (e.g., "Switched from Nike to Adidas")
- Why? It's the precise word for swapping one brand or service for another.
- Instead of "Giving/Getting" Provide (e.g., "To provide her signature shoes")
- Why? It sounds more formal and official.
🧩 The "Respectively" Logic
Notice this sentence: "...contracts with Nike and Adidas, respectively, starting July 1."
What is this doing? It is a linguistic shortcut. Instead of writing two long sentences, "respectively" tells the reader that the first name (South Carolina) goes with the first brand (Nike), and the second name (Tennessee) goes with the second brand (Adidas).
How to use it:
"Maria and John are 20 and 25 years old, respectively." (Maria = 20, John = 25)
⚠️ The 'Final Say' Concept
The text mentions the creative team has the "final say."
This is an idiomatic expression essential for B2 level. It doesn't mean they are talking; it means they have the ultimate authority to make the decision.
- A2: "They decide the design."
- B2: "They have the final say on the design."