HanesBrands and the University of Michigan Announce Extension of Long-Term Apparel Partnership

Rhea-AI Summary

HanesBrands (HBI) has announced a multiyear extension of its apparel partnership with the University of Michigan, granting exclusive rights to design, manufacture, and distribute Wolverine fanwear in mass retail. This agreement underscores HBI's status as the largest supplier of collegiate fan apparel and reinforces its continued collaboration with the M Den, the official retailer of Michigan Athletics. The partnership is expected to benefit from Michigan's strong alumni network and sports performance, especially following the football team's success last season.

Positive

• Exclusive partnership extension with the University of Michigan enhances HBI's market position.
• Solidifies HBI's role as the leading supplier of collegiate fan apparel.
• Partnership benefits from Michigan's large alumni network and successful sports season.

Negative

• None.

• HBI, the world’s largest supplier of collegiate fan apparel, retains exclusive rights to design, manufacture and distribute U-M fanwear in the mass retail channel
• Company continues as a preferred supplier with the M Den, the official retailer of the University of Michigan Athletic Department and one of colleges’ most renowned campus stores

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- HanesBrands (HBI) and the University of Michigan today announced a multiyear extension of their current apparel partnership that gives HBI exclusive rights to design, manufacture and distribute Wolverine fanwear in the mass retail channel. HBI is the world’s largest supplier of collegiate fan apparel and has been an exclusive apparel partner with Michigan for more than a decade.

HanesBrands and the University of Michigan Announce Extension of Long-Term Apparel Partnership (Photo: Business Wire)

The University of Michigan joins Clemson, Auburn, Penn State, N.C. State and more than two dozen other elite schools that have exclusive mass channel retail partnerships with HBI.

“Michigan is a powerhouse in every way, on the field and in the classroom, and has one of the largest alumni networks in the world,” said John Fryer, HanesBrands President of Licensed Sports Apparel. “As consumer-driven leaders in the apparel industry, our Champion® and Hanes® brands drive purchase across the retail spectrum. We’re proud to leverage these brands and others in our long-term commitment to provide quality, responsibly made fanwear to Wolverine students, alums and fans.”

HBI also continues as a preferred supplier with the M Den, the official retailer of the University of Michigan Athletic Department and one of colleges’ most renowned campus stores – and where Champion apparel has been a go-to for the Wolverine faithful for decades. In addition, the Champion brand will continue to engage with student athletes through name, image and likeness (NIL) agreements as it did with University of Michigan track and field standout Ziyah Holman earlier this year. Holman was part of a distinguished group of female athletic standouts featured in the brand’s “Get It Girl” campaign.

The partnership extension with HanesBrands follows a detailed analysis of the University of Michigan trademark licensing program and a competitive proposal process completed in conjunction with the university’s exclusive licensing agent, CLC. In addition to these exclusive programs, Michigan will continue its partnership with Nike as the provider of performance products and specific fan merchandise.

“As we head toward opening kickoff of football season, there’s a lot of momentum for Wolverine apparel following the team’s outstanding performance last year – winning the Big Ten title and finishing the year ranked No. 3,” said Fryer. “We expect to see a lot of Champion apparel in maize and blue.”

HanesBrands

HanesBrands (NYSE: HBI) makes everyday apparel that is known and loved by consumers around the world for comfort, quality and value. Among the company’s iconic brands are Hanes, the leading basic apparel brand in the United States; Champion, an innovator at the intersection of lifestyle and athletic apparel; and Bonds, which is setting new standards for design and sustainability. HBI employs 59,000 associates in 33 countries and has built a strong reputation for workplace quality and ethical business practices. The company, a longtime leader in sustainability, launched aggressive 2030 goals to improve the lives of people, protect the planet and produce sustainable products. HBI is building on its unmatched strengths to unlock its #FullPotential and deliver long-term growth that benefits all of its stakeholders.

CLC

CLC is the nation’s leading collegiate trademark licensing company with a mission to elevate college brands through insight and innovation. The company is uniquely positioned to deliver consumer connections and brand visibility for institutions through data-based, customized solutions that include impactful licensed merchandise strategies and innovative marketing platforms to navigate the ever-evolving consumer and retail marketplace. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, CLC is guided by values to serve others, build trust, lead well, innovate often, and be passionate. Founded in 1981, CLC is a part of LEARFIELD, the leading media and technology services company in intercollegiate athletics.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220825005652/en/

Nicole Ducouer (336) 986-7090

Source: HanesBrands

FAQ

What did HanesBrands announce regarding the University of Michigan on October 23, 2023?

HanesBrands announced a multiyear extension of its apparel partnership with the University of Michigan, granting exclusive rights to design and distribute Wolverine fanwear.

How does the partnership extension with Michigan affect HBI's market position?

The extension solidifies HBI's status as the largest supplier of collegiate fan apparel, enhancing its market position.

What are the benefits of HBI's partnership with the University of Michigan?

The partnership takes advantage of Michigan's large alumni network and its strong sports performance, particularly following the football team's recent successes.

How long has HBI been partnered with the University of Michigan?

HBI has been an exclusive apparel partner with the University of Michigan for over a decade.

What brands are associated with HanesBrands in the collegiate apparel market?

HanesBrands includes brands such as Champion and Hanes, which are well-known in the collegiate apparel market.