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The Utes are no longer the http://bit.ly/1VdKQ9r";>only team out West with an Under Armour deal, but they expect to continue the relationship with the Baltimore-based apparel company after the current agreement expires next year.
Utah athletic director Chris Hill said Tuesday that the Utes are in the late stages of hammering out an extended deal with Under Armour.
"They're a good partner and we're a good partner," Hill said. "They like what we've done, and they like the performance of our teams."
Utah's 2017 budget plots for $1.8 million in apparel and $600,000 in cash from its Under Armour sponsorship in the coming year. Under Armour also compensates several of Utah's coaches, including football coach Kyle Whittingham and men's basketball coach Larry Krystkowiak — http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2734171-155/the-good-life-head-coaching-contracts?fullpage=1";>who also annually attend UA CEO Kevin Plank's Preakness party during the offseason.
But a new deal likely kicks up Utah into a higher tier of income from the company. http://www.latimes.com/sports/ucla/la-sp-0525-ucla-under-armour-20160525-snap-story.html";>UCLA recently inked a 15-year, $280 million agreement that is the largest in college sports. http://www.sfgate.com/collegesports/article/Cal-signs-10-year-86-million-sponsorship-deal-7296114.php";>Cal also signed with UA for 10 years and $86 million — probably much closer to the range of any deal the Utes strike.
Utah typically tries to negotiate new deals with a year remaining on existing agreements. The current agreement has been in place since 2011, when Under Armour became the apparel provider for the entire athletic department. UA has been outfitting the Utah football team since 2008.
While the designs haven't always been embraced —http://www.sltrib.com/news/justice/1398087-155/jerseys-utah-football-fans-replica-twitter";> more mountains, anyone? — Under Armour has seen the Utes take their gear into two bowl games and two NCAA tournaments in the last year. Last year's homecoming outfits on College GameDay http://www.sltrib.com/home/2810822-155/utah-football-unveils-throwback-uniform-for";>with a retro-inspired look were well praised by Utah fans and outside observers alike.
"It's a very collaborative relationship," Hill said. "We feel it helps us with our branding and image."
Nike and adidas are also considered major brands in the outfitting market. Eight other Pac-12 schools have Nike deals, while Arizona State is signed with adidas. While it's possible the other companies could come in late with a competitive offer, Utah seems well on track to finishing negotiations with Under Armour.
Hill didn't offer a timeline on when a deal would get done, but said the department would announce when it does.
kgoon@sltrib.com
Twitter: @kylegoon