Listened to a ND Student podcast as they approach their apparel decision.
It’s amazing how other fan bases feel. Regardless, they did a poll of 600 individuals & the results were as follow:
-91.7% stated they wanted Nike over UA
-76% stated they would prefer Nike/JB over Adidas, UA, & NB
-86.3% said a switch to Nike would cause them to buy more gear
-89% said if ND stayed w/ UA, they would not buy more gear
They polled 20 student athletes:
-Out of the 91.7% that stated they wanted Nike over UA, when they looked at only the participants who were strictly students (via the ND.edu link), 93% of the students, including 20 who were verified student athletes chose Nike.
So a couple of things I found very interesting which I had no idea:
1. ND is supposed to be UA’s priority, however:
2. ND soccer, lacrosse, & football cleats have been known to break consistently after about 3-4 games
3. ND’s student store have been providing most of the merchandise w/ their own print press vs. UA
4. Major complaints of jerseys for various sports not fitting
They had a panel of a Nike apologist & UA apologist. The UA apologist still advocated for UA b/c ND is a brand who wants to be exclusive, which is y they remain independent & have their own TV contract. He also said UA will offer more up front money (sounds familiar @TheOriginalCane…lol). The Nike apologist said Nike helps grows ur brand, & the ND brand needs more swag, & b/c of the poll, it’s proof positive that ND will make more $$ w/ Nike in the long term (again, sound familiar).
I know it’s fck ND, but I found that little exchange eerily similar to the chit I’ve stated on this board, particularly the argument of bag up front & losing swag or appealing to recruits & making long term $$. Either way, saw that ND willl be making a decision some time this month.