Chico State Athletics has announced a five-year apparel partnership with Adidas and Game one, set to begin at the start of the 2026-27 academic year.
This will mark a significant shift in how the university presents its 13 NCAA Division II teams. All Wildcat athletes will compete with Adidas apparel, footwear and equipment, bringing a nationally recognized brand to Chico State’s athletic identity.
Game one is a major sports equipment and apparel supplier that provides custom uniforms, apparel and gear for schools, clubs and organizations. They partner with top brands like Adidas, Nike and Under Armor and connect them to college programs to serve and support teams across the country.
“Chico State Athletics is on an upward trajectory and we are thrilled to be a part of that momentum,” said CEO and President of Game One Pat Weber. “This was a great opportunity to lock arms with Adidas while celebrating the university’s talented student-athletes, quality coaches and outstanding campus.”
Beyond aesthetics, the partnership will also be beneficial for the athletic department in practical ways. The agreement, set to continue through 2030, is expected to reduce operational costs and help diversify revenue streams. This includes the opening of a new 24/7 online fan store, allowing all fans, alumni, students and supporters alike, easy access to sport-specific Wildcat gear.
Additionally, Adidas and Game One will also support Chico State facility branding updates and promotional initiatives across both digital platforms and athletic venues.
The deal also brings more opportunities for recognition for Student-Athletes. Adidas plans to sponsor and start a department “Scholar-Athlete of the Week” program, highlighting a weekly wildcat who excels both academically and athletically. This aligns perfectly with Chico State’s Executive Director of Athletics, Eric Coleman’s vision of Wildcat athletics as a program that produces success both in and out of competition.
Game One Vice President of College Partnerships Tim McMurray feels privileged to be Chico State’s apparel dealer.
“Having known Eric (Coleman) as a leader, quality human and champion for the student-athlete experience, it is evident the University is committed to an elite athletics program,” McMurray said. “This partnership will assist in lifting the profile of Wildcat athletics and the entire Chico State campus.”
Some Wildcat teams, primarily the softball team, have already started the transition to Adidas apparel, repping new uniforms for its spring season. They routinely get new uniforms every two years and this season, the partnership came just in time for them to become the first Wildcat team to fully wear new Adidas apparel.
Overall, this partnership marks a turning point for how Chico State Athletics will be represented. Organization and unity stemming from Adidas will create a dominant presence for Wildcats on their field or court across all sports.
“Signing an apparel deal so our student-athletes have access to premium quality gear, and so the athletics department presents a consistent brand identity across all programs, has been a goal since day one,” Coleman said.
For information about all Chico State athletics, visit the Wildcat home page.
Aiyana Curry can be reached at [email protected]
