Bridgeport Secures Athletic Program Partnership with BSN Sports, Nike

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – The University of Bridgeport announced today an athletic partnership with Nike, Inc. and BSN SPORTS, the nation's largest direct marketer and distributor of sporting goods to the school and league markets and a division of Varsity Brands. Through this partnership, BSN SPORTS will serve as the official apparel and equipment provider to the University of Bridgeport while outfitting the university's athletes, coaches, and community members in premier Nike product selection.

The partnership will debut across UB's 16 NCAA Division II men's and women's teams ahead of the 2024-25 academic year. The University of Bridgeport will also benefit from access to BSN SPORTS' line of custom campus branding products.

"This agreement between the University of Bridgeport, BSN SPORTS, and Nike will add tremendous value and dedicated support to the experience of the coaches, student-athletes, and administrators involved with University of Bridgeport Athletics," said Bill Stote, Sr., Vice President of BSN SPORTS Collegiate Select Program. "Our team will provide the Purple Knight programs with the best possible service, unparalleled access to sports equipment and premier apparel, and branding resources to continue growing UB's prominent athletic brand and fanbase."

"It is fantastic to be able to announce this partnership ahead of the 2024-25 academic year," said UB's Vice President of Athletics and Recreation, Jay Moran. "Bridgeport Athletics prides itself on offering the best experience for our student-athletes and this agreement will only enhance that vision with worldclass apparel, footwear, and other equipment needs."

"We are always seeking ways to improve our athletic department, and I believe this partnership offers another important step," continued Bridgeport's Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Operations, Anthony Vitti. "We are extremely excited to have access to a premium brand like Nike, as well as the thorough support of BSN SPORTS."

About BSN SPORTS

Dallas-based BSN SPORTS is the leading marketer, manufacturer and distributor of sporting goods apparel and equipment. A division of Varsity Brands, BSN SPORTS markets and distributes its products to over 150,000 institutional and team sports customers in colleges and universities, middle and high schools, and recreational programs throughout the United States via catalog, e-commerce, and direct sales. Focused on providing game changing solutions through local partnerships, multi-brand selection and one-stop shopping for equipment and uniforms, BSN SPORTS' more than 3,000 employees have been helping elevate participation in team sports since 1972. For more information about BSN SPORTS please visit www.bsnsports.com.

About NIKE, Inc.

NIKE, Inc., based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Converse, a wholly-owned NIKE, Inc. subsidiary brand, designs, markets and distributes athletic lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit http://about.nike.com/en/newsroom and follow @NIKE.