Nike Launches Blue Ribbon Elite Program To Supercharge NIL Push, Starting with LSU

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Quick Facts

  • Announced alongside a new 10-year renewal of the school’s Nike sponsorship, LSU is the first powerhouse college program to be folded into the Blue Ribbon Elite model
  • Spanning across sports, the Blue Ribbon label includes athlete sponsorships, local marketing pushes, and exclusive products
  • LSU is the first school welcomed to Nike’s Blue Ribbon Elite program, but it definitely won’t be the last
Nike's latest NIL signings from LSU
Nike's latest NIL signings from LSU

Nike was founded through college athletics, and after decades of growth into every corner of the athletic universe, the ties to the Oregon Ducks and the entire NCAA landscape are still present at every level of The Swoosh’s business model. Now, with NIL bringing a turbo-charged marketing model to college athletics, Beaverton is moving to meet the moment, expanding its presence on campuses across the country with the brand new Nike Blue Ribbon Elite program, starting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Announced alongside a new 10-year renewal of the school’s Nike sponsorship, LSU is the first powerhouse college program to be folded into the Blue Ribbon Elite model. Spanning across sports, the Blue Ribbon label includes athlete sponsorships, local marketing pushes, and exclusive products. At LSU, the Blue Ribbon NIL program includes basketball and football players, but also gymnasts, baseball and softball players, and a volleyball player. New NIL athletes from the school include Trey’Dez Green, Dedan Thomas Jr., ZaKiyah Johnson, and DJ Pickett, alongside six other students.

“LSU and Nike are two of the top brands in sport and an ideal duo. We are both continuously looking to innovate and stay ahead of the game, and that’s what we intend to do in the future with this extended partnership,” says Verge Ausberry, Director of Athletics, LSU. “LSU has always been at the forefront of NIL strategy, and as the launchpad for Nike Blue Ribbon Elite, we look forward to working with Nike to offer our student-athletes unrivaled opportunities to capitalize on their brands.”

LSU is the first school welcomed to Nike’s Blue Ribbon Elite program, but it definitely won’t be the last. Which campus do you think is next for the premium NIL designation? To stay up on all the latest Nike NIL news, download the Sole Retriever mobile app.

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Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com