Clemson becomes the latest University nationally to participate in Nike's Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program.
CLEMSON, S.C. — A select group of Clemson student-athletes from multiple sports has been chosen to participate in the Nike Blue Ribbon Elite program, a first-of-its-kind program that reimagines the NIL space through unmatched collaboration with athletes and schools. The Clemson-Nike relationship is now in its 25th year, and this opportunity will continue to evolve.
The inaugural Class of 2026 for Clemson will be announced in the near future, with athletes from several sports to be represented.
“Nike has long been at the center of championship performances here at Clemson, and we’re excited to see this opportunity extended to many of our student-athletes,” said Director of Athletics Graham Neff. “The Clemson brand continues to be among the most recognizable in college athletics, and this unique program is just a further deepening of that long-standing relationship.”
Nike's partnership with each Blue Ribbon Elite athlete will go beyond brand representation, inspiring the student body and community to collaborate through brand campaigns, product innovation and creative direction.
The Nike Blue Ribbon Elite Program:
What Is Nike Blue Ribbon Elite?
A first-of-its-kind program that represents a broad portfolio of athletes across disciplines, reimagining the NIL space by providing schools and athletes an unmatched level of collaboration that prioritizes the future of sport and athlete identity.
Program Heritage & Positioning
The Blue Ribbon Elite program, named after Nike's humble beginnings, reflects the brand's long-held, leading position in sport, college and NIL partnership, as well as an enduring commitment to making athletes better — from pioneering the first truly comprehensive "all-sports" partnership in the 1980s to today's creative, career-building collaborations with top NIL athletes.
Nike's industry-leading NIL approach reflects its five-decade history as the brand of athletes and underscores its continued commitment to inspiring and uplifting the next generation through partnerships, innovation and storytelling that expand sport around the world. College sport is woven into Nike's DNA, and Nike has always believed its future should be shaped in lockstep with athletes.
What It Means for Schools & Athletes
Nike's partnership with each Blue Ribbon Elite athlete and their university will go beyond brand representation, inspiring the student body and community to collaborate through brand campaigns, product innovation and creative direction. In short: when programs and athletes sign with Nike, they don't just rep the Swoosh — they help shape it. For Nike, it's not just about outfitting the best — it's about creating with the boldest.
Athlete Support & Partnership Model
Nike's commitment to listening to the voices of the athlete takes form in individual, personalized support, both in their performance and training and in their most important moments away from the game. From product and styling to support with media and content, Nike leverages the full weight of the brand to provide a best-in-class partnership to athletes across the brand's NIL roster — giving them tools for long-term success across sport, business and culture.