Don’t expect to see the Swoosh in Gilas jerseys anytime soon.
The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has decided not to renew with Nike, marking the end of nearly two decades of partnership with the sports giant.
In an announcement issued Friday, the federation bared that the collaboration ended just last year and that it will be working with a new partner instead.
As to which brand it will be remains a question.
It is, without a doubt, a big development for both camps, considering that they began working together even before the Gilas program’s inception.
Nike was already there when the Philippines returned to FIBA competitions in 2007 after serving a two-year suspension — at a time the SBP was born.
It outfitted the RP Team of Coach Chot Reyes in the FIBA Asia Championship of that same year and would go on to do so in the next 17 years.
The Swoosh was also there for the federation during the first years of Gilas some time in 2009 after the men’s program began with Accel as its provider.
All of the national teams under the SBP would go on to be clad in Nike as well, which spoke volumes about how much the brand valued the partnership.
That, until the Samahan opted to no longer renew the deal.
With this, it remains to be seen what Gilas will wear when it plays in upcoming tournaments, including Window 3 of the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers.
“The SBP has ensured that all Gilas teams will continue to be fully equipped for their upcoming local and international tournaments,” the SBP assured.
“Athletes will receive high-quality on-court and off-court apparel, compliant with tournament regulations, to perform at the top level.”
Details about SBP’s new outfitter will be announced soon.
