UMD Athletics, Under Armour Partner to Release Retro Apparel Collection to Benefit NIL

Last Updated on October 28, 2024

Maryland Athletics has partnered with Under Armour to release an exclusive line of merchandise benefiting the One Maryland Collective (1MC), a “super-collective” that supports name, image, and likeness opportunities for its college athletes. This line of merchandise will only be available to new members of 1MC and will feature exclusive items carrying a retro Maryland logo created by Under Armour.

The collaboration, the first of its kind in collegiate athletics, this collaboration introduces the “Terrapin Throwback,” a line inspired by Maryland head football coach Mike Locksley’s passion for the school’s vintage logos.

This idea for this unique collaboration took shape when Locksley began donning unique hoodies emblazoned with Maryland’s vintage logo, sparking a surge of interest across social media and fan message boards. The overwhelmingly positive response motivated the development of an entire line that not only resonates with Maryland’s fanbase but also channels support directly to the One Maryland Collective.

“My love of Maryland runs deep”, Locksley said. “And I am thrilled to bring these vintage marks back to the market to benefit the One Maryland Collective. This is a great way for Maryland fans to own something truly unique and help our Maryland Football team at the same time.”

Exclusive Merchandise Tiers to Boost 1MC Membership

Through the Terrapin Throwback initiative, fans can own exclusive Maryland gear while supporting NIL opportunities for college athletes. The line offers three membership-based levels:

$25/month: Access to a limited-edition t-shirt.
$50/month: A heavyweight hoodie featuring the vintage Maryland logo.
$100/month and above: Both the t-shirt and hoodie are included.

Fans can sign up and access the limited-edition items at OneMarylandNIL.com.

Pioneering NIL Partnerships and Fan Engagement

Since the start of the NIL era, Maryland Athletics has taken proactive steps to leverage NIL for its college athletes, positioning itself as a leader in this space.

“From the beginning, Maryland Athletics has been a leader in driving opportunities for our student-athletes,” UMD’s Deputy Athletics Director Brian Ullmann said. “Together with our partners at Under Armour, the Terrapin Throwback initiative is yet another example of how we are building value for our fans and for our athletics program.”

The partnership with Under Armour exemplifies Maryland Athletics’ commitment to innovating and setting new standards. Catherine Marquette, Under Armour’s Director of Sports Marketing and Head of Collegiate Partnerships, highlighted that the initiative aligns with the company’s mission to empower college athletes and create value for the Maryland community.

“When Maryland approached us about the opportunity for its collective to leverage Coach Locksley’s preference for vintage MD logos into a new apparel collection, we of course said ‘Yes,'” Marquette said. “This is reflective of our desire to support Maryland and its athletes, current and future, and we’re proud to provide this new opportunity for fans to join in on the support as well.”

Fostering College Athlete Development and Community Impact Through NIL

One Maryland Collective not only provides NIL opportunities but also enables athletes to engage with charitable causes and business engagements, strengthening their brands and making a positive impact. Fans, alumni, businesses, and charities can connect with College athletes through membership tiers, donations, and corporate sponsorships, creating a pathway for athletes to develop professionally and personally without added financial strain.

Chris Weiner, Executive Director of 1MC, emphasized the importance of collaboration.

“Terrapin Throwback stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between Maryland Athletics, Under Armour, and One Maryland Collective,” Weiner said. “This initiative offers fans an exclusive opportunity to wear their Maryland pride while directly contributing to the success of our student-athletes.”

Maryland’s Terrapin Throwback line captures the spirit of Maryland Athletics while setting a new standard in NIL-driven initiatives. By bridging the gap between fan engagement and college athlete support, Maryland Athletics, Under Armour, and One Maryland Collective create a model that could influence NIL initiatives across collegiate sports.