Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Sponsorship And Athletics topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves five‑year exclusive Adidas agreement for Manhattan High athletics amid trustee questions
Summary
Manhattan‑Ogden USD 383 approved a five‑year exclusive apparel contract with Adidas for Manhattan High athletics after trustees asked about vendor selection, student image use and distribution of benefits; staff said the offer will cover most varsity uniform and gear costs.
The Manhattan‑Ogden USD 383 Board approved a five‑year exclusive apparel and equipment agreement between Manhattan High athletics and Adidas after trustees raised questions about vendor selection, student use and commercialization.
Trustee Greg moved the agreement and said staff had done research after Adidas initiated contact in the fall. A district representative told the board Adidas was attracted by the high school’s athletic profile and offered a competitive package that would cover varsity uniform and gear costs and reduce fundraising burdens for teams. "Every high school sport that is varsity that has uniforms which Adidas provides for...will be receiving new uniforms and gear for this upcoming school year," a staff member said during discussion.
Trustee Kristen pressed the administration on how the partnership came about and whether other companies had been considered. She voiced concern that brand partnerships can feel like a slippery slope and asked whether students’ images would be exploited. District staff responded that Adidas’ offer was competitive compared with similar deals across the region and that they had verified terms, including assurances that individual students’ likenesses would not be used for commercial exploitation.
Kristen asked, "Are there other schools in the state that have the same deal?" and staff replied that other schools have brand partnerships but not to the same level of benefit reported in this offer. Another trustee noted the arrangement felt similar in structure to other school sponsorship contracts (for example, beverage partnerships) and emphasized the need to monitor long‑term effects on program culture.
After trustees’ questions, the board approved the contract by voice vote. The motion was recorded as carried 7‑0.
The district said the agreement will offset many costs that athletic boosters and teams currently raise for uniforms and equipment; district staff did not identify any additional financial obligations to the district beyond administrative oversight. The board did not record details of the full contract package in the public transcript and said staff will continue to monitor implementation and compliance with district policies.
