EL PASO, Texas — UTEP Athletics and adidas have announced a five-year strategic partnership in which the Portland, Ore.-based company will serve as the official athletic footwear, apparel and accessory brand for the Miners.

Under the agreement, which is subject to approval by the University of Texas System Board of Regents, Game One will serve as the distribution partner for adidas.

"adidas is a leader in college athletics apparel, and Game One offers superior service that will benefit our 300-plus student-athletes and 17 sports programs," said Jim Senter, UTEP Director of Athletics.  "We are excited to align with adidas and Game One and look forward to their playing a critical role as we continue to grow the Miner brand."

"We are thrilled to serve UTEP and Miner Athletics," said Jayme Wisely, President and Chief Executive Offer of Game One.  "UTEP's storied athletic tradition - combined with an innovative campus spirit - truly allow for this to be a model partnership.  What a great opportunity to lock arms with adidas while serving and celebrating UTEP's talented student-athletes, quality coaches, and outstanding campus.   We have our 'Picks Up' and are ready to engage the entire Miner community."

UTEP is a member of Conference USA and fields 17 Division I sports programs.  UTEP's athletics teams have combined to win a total of 21 NCAA national championships, including the famed 1966 men's basketball title under the direction of coaching legend Don Haskins.

adidas is a global designer and developer of athletic and lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories with the mission to be the best sports brand in the world. As an innovation and design leader, adidas engineers the best in high-performance products to make athletes better, faster and stronger and creates a range of classic and fresh lifestyle and high-fashion lines.

Game One is one of the largest and fastest-growing sports equipment and apparel suppliers in the country, serving a loyal customer base of 13,000 schools and organizations in 38 states. The company provides quality products through established relationships with big-name brands, including adidas.