Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Adidas To Share Profits With Sponsored Student-Athletes

In July 2021, the NCAA instituted revolutionary changes allowing college athletes to secure endorsement deals, sell personally affiliated merchandise, and earn money from social media accounts. On March 23, Adidas altered the collegiate landscape even further.

As the 50th anniversary of Title IX (prohibiting sex-based discrimination at educational institutions) approaches, Adidas announced a new campaign to ensure that NCAA student-athletes, regardless of gender, have equal access to its Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) network. Through the campaign, 50,000 eligible student-athletes across 23 Division I sports and 109 Adidas-partnered schools will be eligible to become paid affiliate brand ambassadors — a first for a major sports brand. The new network will roll out beginning with historically Black colleges and universities and across Power Five conference partners in the fall. By April 2023, Adidas plans to include access for every qualified school.

Kansas University Jayhawk basketball players wearing the new Adidas 'More Is Possible' warmup shirts.
Associated Press

“At Adidas, we are committed to creating change through sport and recognize the important role student-athletes play in shaping the future,” Rupert Campbell, president of Adidas North America, said in a press release. “Our groundbreaking NIL program advances our commitments toward building inclusivity in sport and inspires athletes to realize a more equitable world. I can’t wait to see it come to life.”

To celebrate the occasion and to honor Title IX’s historic anniversary, Adidas schools participating in the men’s and women’s NCAA basketball tournament Sweet 16 rounds donned “More Is Possible” T-shirts, and will through the completion of championship games. The shirts’ backs feature a quote of the iconic 37 words that formally outlawed gender discrimination in American education and collegiate athletics.

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

This initiative is only the apparel giant’s latest initiative in its ongoing Impossible Is Nothing campaign, which aims to grow accessibility, celebrate inclusivity, and create a more equitable future in sports. This includes partnership programs such as Athlete Ally, intended to evaluate and support improving the Athletic Equality Index scores across universities, and supporting the McLendon Foundation, which establishes paid fellowships for minorities across partnered athletic departments. This goes to the heart of the athletic retailer’s philosophy.

“This is not just a first-of-its kind program for the brand and industry, it goes much wider by unlocking opportunities in business and life that will enable them as student-athletes to maximize their NIL, opening the doors to future possibilities,” said Jim Murphy, Adidas NCAA program lead.

Adidas also continues to invest in partnership programs and campaigns that ally with notable athlete partners like Candace Parker, Billie Jean King, and many others who are working relentlessly to push the game forward.

“It has been a long 50 years since the passage of Title IX — and we’ve fought and played for equality every step of the way,” King said. “The progress we have made is incredible, but it’s time to focus on the next 50 years.”

“More Is Possible” shirts are available for retail for $25 at local collegiate retailers, Fanatics, and online.

Editors' Recommendations

Matthew Denis
Matt Denis is an on-the-go remote multimedia reporter, exploring arts, culture, and the existential in the Pacific Northwest…
This code gets you an extra 30% off at Adidas (new and sale products)
Adidas Terrex Shoes

Mayday, May pole, MAYSALE. They're all associated with May, but only the last one can net you an extra 30% off on both new and on sale products at Adidas. Aside from select brands, such as Disney and Samba or collabs like Pharrell x adidas and Ivy Park x adidas, this sale applies to nearly every item you could want from the store. Some of them are already on largely discounted sales of up to 40% off, meaning that — after all discounts are applied — you could receive over 50% off just by typing MAYSALE before you checkout your bag. There's only one trick to this deal: It does not last until the end of May. Unfortunately, this deal ends tonight at midnight Pacific Time, or 3 AM in the wee hours of the morning for us on the East Coast. So, go ahead and tap the button below to travel to the Adidas shop and see what you can get.

Why you should shop May Sale at Adidas
Beyond being known for the iconic three stripes adorning tracksuits, Adidas has a wide variety of apparel meant to suit anybody's tastes. Take the , a 100% cotton long sleeved t-shirt as an example of Adidas's wide variety available even in a single product. It comes in classic black and white designs but has other color palettes that bring on a more distinct style. For example, the intense scarlet red has a high contrast pop while the burgundy red gives off a more muted look. If you like the shape and design of a shirt or pair of shoes at Adidas, assume you can find a color you'll like.

Read more
The best shorts for men to look cool on those sweltering hot days
Pick up the best shorts to make your legs look great this summer
DUER shorts for hot weather adventuring.

The weather is changing. As the summer approaches and the sun begins cooking you on the sidewalks and in the parks, you will start to ditch the jeans and chinos in favor of shorts. There are dozens of options when you start to shop for new and better styles for your wardrobe. Whether you are looking for the longer golf shorts or the Magnum P.I. length thigh displayers, we have a collection of the best shorts for men.

The collection offers a range of inseams, but they all sit above the knee, which is a good rule to follow. Today's best men's shorts are slim but not constricting, thanks to lightweight and flexible materials. So don't be afraid to show off more skin this year. Just be careful to avoid uncomfortable burns by applying extra sunscreen; remember, your legs haven't seen the sun for months.

Read more
REI anniversary sale: Up to 30% off clothes, camping and outdoor equipment
The REI Co-Op 6 person Tent on a white background.

REI has a huge sale on right now with up to 30% off some of its most popular items. It's all part of the company's celebrations for its anniversary. There are extra special offers for members but everyone can save too until 5/29. With so many different things on offer, it's worth clicking below to see what's already out there. However, we've also taken the time to highlight just what kind of brands and categories are featured in the sale. Keen to learn more? Let's take a look.

What to buy in the REI Anniversary sale
If you've been reading up on our camping gear 101 guide, REI is sure to help you out while keeping costs down. For instance, it has a REI Co-op Wonderland 6 Tent for $419 instead of $599 that's ideal if you want to home six people on your camping trip. It also goes way cheaper too with discounts on water bottles, chairs, sleeping bags, and trekking poles. Essentially, you can shop everything you need for your next camping trip here, whether you're looking to a trip this summer or longer term with a wintery journey.

Read more