Gilas to have new outfitter as SBP ends kit sponsorship deal with Nike

Gilas' Nike era came to a close. FIBA (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--In a Friday shocker, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announced the end of its partnership with globally renowned sports apparel brand Nike.

According to the SBP, the kit sponsorship deal ended just as 12 midnight of Jan. 1 struck.

“SBP announces that their partnership with their former official outfitter concluded last year and that the federation will be working with a new partner,” the SBP's statement said.

Nike had been the SBP's official jersey maker since 2009, and the athleisure giant had been synonymous with the entire Gilas Pilipinas program, especially when it began releasing Gilas jerseys with the name "Pilipinas" on them.

Gilas' men's squad last played in the November window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, which turned out to be the last time they wore Nike kits.

The SBP will name the new Gilas outfitter in the coming days, which could come in time before the men's team heads to Doha next week for a four-nation pocket tournament in preparation for the February window of the FIBA ACQ.

"The SBP has ensured that all Gilas teams will continue to be fully equipped for their upcoming local and international tournaments. Athletes will receive high-quality on-court and off-court apparel, compliant with tournament regulations, to perform at the top level," the SBP further said.

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