St. John's basketball ends partnership with Nike, makes move to adidas official

Rick Pitino helped make adidas track suits popular during his time at Louisville and now he will get a chance to wear them in St. John’s colors after the school officially announced its partnership with the clothing brand on Monday morning.

The Red Storm and Nike have ended its partnership, which began in 2019, following the school’s flip from Under Armour, which lasted six years.

It’s the first time that St. John’s has ever been sponsored by adidas and are the only program in the Big East to have a contract with the brand.

“We believe this partnership will greatly benefit our men’s and women’s basketball teams in achieving prominence on the court and national exposure,” St. John’s athletic director Ed Kull said in a statement.

Pitino was joined with men’s basketball transfers Ian Jackson (North Carolina) and Joson Sanon (Arizona State), who already have individual deals with adidas, in a social media clip promoting the partnership. Women’s basketball transfer Sa’Mya Watt was also featured the video.

“Partnering with a renowned institution in St. John's University represents an exciting moment for adidas,” Chris McGuire, adidas Vice President of Sports Marketing, said.

“As a powerhouse with deep roots and big ambition, they match our drive to push limits and shape the future of sport. Together, we’re not just supporting their athletic programs—we’re fueling their momentum and elevating their impact across the collegiate sports scene.”

St. John’s will celebrate its new deal with an event on Wednesday, July 16, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. inside the adidas Brand Center New York, which is located at 610 Broadway in Manhattan.

Select men’s and women’s basketball players will be at the store for a meet and greet as well as signing autographs with the opportunity to win prizes and newly released St. John’s apparel by adidas.