Lots of new "Michigan to Nike" rumors on Twitter today

Submitted by Dawkins on

Yeah, and what else is new, right? Well, actually, there was virtually no discussion of this topic on Twitter yesterday. Today, there is a sudden explosion of Tweets referencing "rumors" that Michigan is switching to Nike. I attempted to track down the source of the rumors, and they appear to be originating from this Tweet:

Michigan is about to be so swaggy #swoosh

— Megan (@meganprusi) June 10, 2015

As most of you know, Hacket confirmed last week that the search for Michigan's next apparel provider has been code-named "Project Swag," and #swoosh is obviously a reference to Nike. 

This woman identifies herself as a University of Michigan alum on her Twitter account, and according to her LinkedIn profile...

https://www.linkedin.com/pub/megan-prusi/75/969/937

...she works for the University if Michigan at Kidsport...

http://www.kines.umich.edu/umove/kidsport

...which is part of the Kinesiology Department, but also seems to be affiliated with the Michigan Athletic Department...

https://www.umich.edu/athletics/

So either: (1) this is someone in a position to be among the first to hear the news that Michigan has switched apparel providers once that information starts trickling down to others in the Athletic Department, or (2) I just cyber-stalked this young woman for no good reason because I'm overly eager to find out which apparel provider we're going with.

You decide.

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DrMantisToboggan

June 10th, 2015 at 7:00 PM ^

The deal was finalized yesterday morning. 

I didn't want to start a thread about it, figuring most wouldn't believe me and obviously the university wants a big release. The announcement should come any day now. I know I probably sound like that 14 year old on twitter during the coaching search, but I've got pretty darn good sources. 

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Dawkins

June 10th, 2015 at 10:46 PM ^

I think theyre required to wait til after the start of the season to announce theyre switching. some stipulatin in the adidas contract requires this since adidas doesnt want people holding out for the next equip provider during one of the busiest times for apparel sales

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Mr. Yost

June 10th, 2015 at 7:11 PM ^

I think they can match anything Adidas throws out. 

They may as well take Adidas' best clients since UA is taking their smaller ones.

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Wolverine Devotee

June 10th, 2015 at 7:19 PM ^

OP, all you needed to do was search her name on the umich directory.

She has some sort of formal affiliation with athletics as she has "intercollegaite athletics" as one of her titles.

Directory

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Jhow

June 10th, 2015 at 8:39 PM ^

For what it's worth, I am hearing Michigan to Nike chatter too. I live in Portland, Or. My coworker has connections with Nike headquarters employees. A couple of them are "in the know" and are talking about Michigan to Nike like its a done deal. Either they know or feel very strongly about it. Hope it's true. I guess we'll find out soon enough.

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MGoPolo20

June 11th, 2015 at 11:46 AM ^

Heard from a buddy who's a manager for BBall that Nike will be announced July 1, but the contract for adidas will be honored for the upcoming year

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PrimeChronic

June 11th, 2015 at 12:32 PM ^

I imagine the meeting went something like this...

Nike: "We would be very excited to represent the University of Michigan! However I'm sure you are aware we do not match offers for deals. We can offer you 4 million a year for 10 years."

Hackett: *Holds up a picture of Harbaugh.*

Nike: "Yes we have some exciting plans for working with your amazing new coach! Perhaps we can offer 5 million a year for 10 years."

Hackett: *Holds up a picture of Harbaugh in Adidas gear*

Nike: "... That would not be very beneficial to our company. This really isn't what we do but we feel this is a unique situation. 6 million a year for 10 years and that is the most generous offer we have ever made!"

Hackett: *dials cell phone* "Hi Jim, it's Jim. I'm with Nike, they don't sound very serious. I'll see you at the Adidas meeting in an hour to finalize everything." *hangs up phone and stands up*

Nike: "... Please hold on a minute Mr. Hackett. We recognize the tremondously unique potential that your new coach brings with your university. We will beat whatever Adidas offers you by 10%. We want Harbaugh."

Hackett: "Harbaugh." *nods*

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