July 8, 2004

The University of San Diego and adidas have signed a four-year agreement, during which time the worldwide footwear and apparel company will become the official outfitter of Torero Athletics. The partnership took effect June 1, 2004 and extends through May 31, 2008.

"Our ability to provide the best possible athletic apparel and footwear has risen significantly, and will also allow the USD Department of Athletics to assure equity across all our programs," USD Athletic Director Jo-Ann Nester stated. "The opportunity to create a partnership with an internationally renowned company is a real coup for all 16 of our athletic programs. This is an important step in continuing to grow the department within a fiscally responsible framework."

The Torero's deal with adidas is the first full-apparel agreement signed by USD, and will aid the USD Athletic Department to cut expenses and generate fundraising streams through the sale of USD/adidas co-branded apparel.

"We are extremely pleased to have our relationship with the University of San Diego develop into an all-sport partnership," stated Tom Mercer, Director of Team Sports for adidas America. "This expansion with the University of San Diego is another example of our commitment to the building of our team and license business within Southern California in general, and the San Diego area in particular."

The University of San Diego is part of a collegiate family consisting of historic programs such as Notre Dame, University of Tennessee, University of Nebraska, University of Louisville, University of Wisconsin, and UCLA, as well as other recent additions including University of Indiana, University of Pittsburgh and North Carolina State University among others.