WKU, Russell Athletic to end on-field sponsorship

Evan Heichelbech

Western Kentucky University and Russell Athletic will no longer be on-field partners, the university announced Monday afternoon.

WKU and Russell have mutually decided to discontinue their exclusive on-field sponsorship agreement as of June 30. The school also announced Russell Athletic will continue to partner with WKU as an apparel license.

“We have enjoyed a terrific partnership with Russell Athletic over the last 10 years,” athletic director Todd Stewart said in a statement. “Our athletics programs have experienced significant growth during this time, and we are deeply appreciative to Fruit of the Loom and Russell Athletic for their vital role. We look forward to continuing to work with them in growing our licensed apparel business.”

Details of a partnership with a future apparel provider could be announced as early as today. WKU and Russell have partnered together since 2007, and the school signed a five-year extension with Russell in August of 2015. The contract extension was set to go from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2021.

Sports Editor Evan Heichelbech can be reached at 502-415-1817 and [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @evanheich.