Pittsburg State Athletics Announces 10-Year Partnership with Nike

Pittsburg State Athletics has officially announced a landmark 10-year partnership with Nike, marking a return to the world’s leading athletic brand and a major step forward for Gorilla Athletics.

The long-term agreement is designed to strengthen Pittsburg State’s recruiting efforts, enhance the student-athlete experience, and support sustained investment across all athletic programs. The partnership reflects the university’s commitment to competing at the highest level of NCAA Division II.

“This is about the future of Pitt State Athletics and what it takes to compete at the highest level of Division II,” said Tom Dunn, Pittsburg State’s Associate Athletic Director for Branding.

Nike’s reputation for innovation, performance, and athlete-focused design is expected to provide a significant advantage for Pittsburg State athletes, both in competition and daily training environments.

As part of the agreement, Pittsburg State will partner with BSN Sports for equipment and team ordering, creating a more consistent and efficient process across all sports.

“This new opportunity allows us to invest more into our student-athletes,” said Pittsburg State Vice President of Athletics Anthony Crespino. “It also aligns with how we want to continue building Pitt State Athletics, focused on our student-athletes, grounded in our tradition, and committed to long-term success.”

The partnership also represents a meaningful return to Nike for Pittsburg State, honoring the legacy of Terry Swartz, a Pittsburg native and longtime Gorilla supporter who played a key role in supporting the athletic department in its early years.

The agreement will officially begin June 1, 2026, with Pittsburg State teams debuting new Nike apparel and uniforms across multiple sports.