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Nebraska, with a statewide population of less than 1.8 million and the 12th least populated state, is the 13th largest collegiate license in revenue generation. Nebraska is a key partner for Adidas, with loyal fans across the state. With Nebraska making the move to the Big Ten (which actually has had 11 teams for two decades), it will be the fifth team in the conference endorsed by Adidas. Don’t be surprised if Adidas begins to focus their efforts for advertising on the Big Ten Network with the conference having the greatest percentage of Adidas outfitted teams from any major conference.
Though there are gains for Adidas with Nebraska making the move to the Big Ten, they will lose some ground with the uncertainty of Kansas. Rumors have swirled of the Big Ten expanding to 16 which may include the Jayhawks. In addition, the Mountain West Conference is attempting to invite the school into their party as well. Whatever the case may be, Kansas is a premier basketball partner for Adidas and currently the school is sitting on the sidelines. ?While the school may be fielding offers, it is without a doubt a concern at Adidas that one of their top basketball partners will still have major exposure in seasons to come.
In the end, the conference realignment talk has been an interesting one for the past week, but something we as fans of college sports have known for quite a long time is that business has a major influence on the game.
