[L-R] SM Supermalls President Steven Tan, adidas Philippines General Manager Anthony Frangos, NU President Dr. Renato Ermita Jr., and NU Vice Chairman Nilo Ocampo during the contract signing between National University and adidas Philippines, November 8, 2024 at the NU campus in Mall of Asia, Pasay City. Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBN News

MANILA -- National University has signed a partnership with a global sports apparel giant that will see their student-athletes wear new gear and shoes.

All of National U's sports teams will now be outfitted by adidas after the formal signing on Friday at the NU campus in Mall of Asia.

This marks the return of the German sportswear giant to the local collegiate scene after 15 years.

"We are truly humbled by the significant partnership with adidas and the trust that they have placed in the NU brand," said Dr. Renato Ermita Jr., NU president, during a brief media conference. "We're honored to be partnering with a brand that shares the same values, commitment, resilience and winning spirit."

Anthony Frangos, the general manager of adidas Philippines, said their brand shares the same vision as the late Henry Sy Jr. 

"Sport and education are both two powerful avenues where the nation and the lives of the Filipino can be enriched. Bringing the two together feels like a real natural synergy for us, and we're delighted to be partnering with NU, who has such a rich history," said Frangos.

The agreement signed on Friday is for three years, though Frangos told ABS-CBN News that they "would be looking to extend." 

Frangos also explained that while they had been looking at partnering with other schools, they believe that NU makes for the best fit with their brand.

"This one with NU just seemed like a very natural fit for us. Really strong legacy, National University, targeting not just Metro Manila but extending to all the three regions. We're super excited to be back," he said. 

Under the terms of the deal, adidas will be providing training and on-court gear for all athletes of National University in the UAAP. The hope for Frangos is that the partnership with NU will extend beyond the court as well.

"You heard me talk about the connection into different departments, the collaboration of the experience that our people in our business can provide to students, like mentorship programs, opportunities for scholarships, internships," he said.

"It's an extension of what we can do with a program like NU beyond just what happens in the field of play."

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