Villanova, PA (March 16, 2022) – The names Rollie Massimino, Donte Divincenzo, Kris Jenkins and Howie Long are legendary to Villanova Wildcat fans. Now the Wildcats are adding another iconic name with the addition of Hanesbrands, the largest supplier of licensed collegiate apparel, as its primary apparel partner.  The partnership with Villanova will lead the development of an expansive collection of men's, women's, unisex, youth, infant and toddler fan apparel across all retail channels. The agreement awards exclusive rights in the mass, mid-tier, campus, and local channels through 2031.
 
HanesBrands, which includes Champion, makers of authentic athletic apparel since 1919, as well as long-respected names like Hanes and Alternative Apparel, will focus on designing and manufacturing Villanova apparel and expanding the retail footprint in the Philadelphia area as well as nationally. Villanova will also continue its partnership with Nike as the provider of performance products and specific fan merchandise for the Wildcats' Athletics programs.
 
"We are excited to partner with Villanova to grow the Wildcats brand and retail footprint," said John Fryer, HanesBrand's President of Sports Apparel. "And what better time of year to solidify our partnership than during March Madness, when Villanova has made so many lasting memories for fans everywhere."
 
The new partnership with HanesBrands follows a detailed analysis of the Villanova trademark licensing program and a competitive proposal process completed in conjunction with the University's exclusive licensing agent, CLC. In addition to these exclusive programs, Villanova will also continue to partner with other best-in-class licensees in key product categories to meet the needs of Wildcat fans.
 
"We are thrilled to partner with Hanes Brands," said Mark Jackson, Villanova Vice President and Director of Athletics. "As we continually focus on ways to enhance our fan experience and grow fan engagement, Hanes Brand gives us a trusted partner to deliver quality apparel to all the retail channels necessary to help accomplish those goals."
 
Villanova joins the University of Georgia, University of Texas, University of North Carolina, University of South Carolina, The Ohio State University, Wake Forest University, and University of Cincinnati as primary apparel partners with HBI.
 
 About HanesBrands
HanesBrands (NYSE: HBI) makes everyday apparel that is known and loved by consumers around the world for comfort, quality and value. Among the company's iconic brands are Hanes, the leading basic apparel brand in the United States and Champion, an innovator at the intersection of lifestyle and athletic apparel, along with fan favorites Alternative and Gear for Sports. HBI employs 59,000 associates in 33 countries and has built a strong reputation for workplace quality and ethical business practices. The company, a longtime leader in sustainability, has set aggressive 2030 goals to improve the lives of people, protect the planet and produce sustainable products. HBI is building on its unmatched strengths to unlock its #FullPotential and deliver long-term growth that benefits all of its stakeholders.
 
 
About CLC
CLC is the nation's leading collegiate trademark licensing company with a mission to elevate college brands through insight and innovation. The company is uniquely positioned to deliver consumer connections and brand visibility for institutions through data-based, customized solutions that include impactful licensed merchandise strategies and innovative marketing platforms to navigate the ever-evolving consumer and retail marketplace. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, CLC is guided by values to serve others, build trust, lead well, innovate often, and be passionate. Founded in 1981, CLC is a part of LEARFIELD, the leading media and technology services company in intercollegiate athletics.