FORT SMITH, Ark. – The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith has announced its new agreement with Nike and BSN SPORTS, the nation's largest direct marketer and distributor of sporting goods to the school and league markets, and a division of Varsity Brands. Through this partnership, BSN SPORTS will serve as the official apparel and equipment provider for the Lions' athletic programs, while outfitting the University's athletes and coaches in premier Nike product selection. The partnership will debut across the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith teams competing in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association.  

"UAFS is proud to partner with Nike and BSN SPORTS as we transition to the MIAA," UAFS Director of Athletics Curtis Janz said. "Partnering with two premier brands will not only enhance our student-athlete experience but give our coaches and student-athletes access top-of-the-line equipment and apparel."

Todd Northrop, Vice President of BSN SPORTS Collegiate Select Division said, "This agreement between the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, BSN SPORTS, and Nike will add tremendous value and dedicated support to the experience of the coaches, student athletes, and administrators involved with UAFS Athletics. Our team is proud of the opportunity to provide Lions coaches and teams with the best possible service, unparalleled access to sports equipment and premier apparel, and branding resources to continue growing the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith's athletic presence."

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About BSN SPORTS

Farmers Branch-based BSN SPORTS is a leading marketer, manufacturer and distributor of sporting goods apparel and equipment. A division of Varsity Brands, BSN SPORTS markets and distributes its products to over 150,000 institutional and team sports customers in colleges and universities, middle and high schools, and recreational programs throughout the United States via catalog, e-commerce, and direct sales. Focused on providing game-changing solutions through local partnerships, multi-brand selection and one-stop shopping for equipment and uniforms, BSN SPORTS' more than 3,000 employees have been helping elevate participation in team sports since 1972. For more information about BSN SPORTS please visit www.BSNSPORTS.com.

About NIKE, Inc.

NIKE, Inc., based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Converse, a wholly-owned NIKE, Inc. subsidiary brand, designs, markets and distributes athletic lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit http://about.nike.com/en/newsroom and follow @NIKE.