LSU athletics inks groundbreaking deal taking NIL to next level for Lane Kiffin

The Lane Kiffin era at LSU is officially underway, and the LSU athletic department is already making big moves to set him up for success.

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On Thursday, LSU announced a long-term partnership extension with Nike along with a groundbreaking Blue Ribbon NIL program. LSU's partnership with Nike now runs through 2036, while Nike's Blue Ribbon Elite program officially launches in Baton Rouge in a first-of-its-kind move in the NIL space.

LSU announces Nike partnership extension and first-of-its-kind NIL program

In a press release, LSU stated that the Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program will be "representing a broad portfolio of athletes across disciplines, reimagining the NIL space by providing schools and athletes an unmatched level of collaboration that prioritizes the future of sport and athlete identity."

“LSU and Nike are two of the top brands in sport and an ideal duo,” said LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry in the release. “We are both continuously looking to innovate and stay ahead of the game, and that’s what we intend to do in the future with this extended partnership. LSU has always been at the forefront of NIL strategy, and as the launchpad for Nike Blue Ribbon Elite, we look forward to working with Nike to offer our student-athletes unrivaled opportunities to capitalize on their brands.”

With the announcement, ten LSU student-athletes are set to join Nike's growing roster: Kailin Chio (Gymnastics), Derek Curiel (Baseball), Tori Edwards (Softball, Casan Evans (Baseball), Trey'Dez Green (Football), Jayden Heavener (Softball), ZaKiyah Johnson (Basketball), DJ Pickett (Football), Jurnee Robinson (Volleyball), and Dedan Thomas Jr (Basketball).

Along with brand representation, Nike's Blue Ribbon Elite program partnership will collaborate with the student body through brand campaigns, product innovation, and creative direction.

Part of the appeal of LSU for Kiffin when he was making his decision was the school's resources and NIL potential. LSU has been considered a leader in the NIL space since it was first introduced in 2021, and this moves enhances that goal. All in all, Nike and LSU continue to set the standard for NIL in college sports.