ROCHESTER, Mich. -- Oakland University Athletics and NIKE have agreed to extend their partnership for the next 10 years, running through 2026-27, announced Director of Athletics Jeff Konya. NIKE, through Lids, Inc., will provide athletic apparel, equipment and footwear for Oakland's 18 intercollegiate sports.

"Timing could not have been better for this unprecedented deal for our enterprise," said Konya. "There was lot of interest in potentially partnering with the Golden Grizzlies, which is a testament to what our student-athletes are accomplishing in the community, in the classroom and in competition. We are very excited about continuing with NIKE for the next decade and look forward to being a true all-in partner for our staff, fans and student-athletes."

In addition to providing equipment, apparel and footwear, the partnership will also include marketing and promotional elements to benefit both parties. Oakland joins a host of elite institutions that have partnered with NIKE and holds one of the longest agreements in all of intercollegiate athletics.

"It was important for us to find a partner that was willing to be our provider for the intermediate and long term," said Konya. "Now we can continue to outfit our student-athletes at the highest level, as well as providing our fans with top-of-the-line apparel in support of their Golden Grizzlies."

Oakland supports over 325 student-athletes. The Golden Grizzlies captured 4 of 5 Horizon League championships in the fall, including men's cross country, women's cross country, men's soccer and women's soccer. Oakland holds a 20-point lead in the current Horizon League McCafferty Trophy standings.

The McCafferty Trophy is awarded to the conference's all-sports champion. The Golden Grizzlies captured the trophy last year, in just their second year inside the league. Oakland tallied an 18th-place finish in the DI-AAA Learfield Directors' Cup last season, which is the highest-ever finish for Oakland, posting a program-best 100 points.

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