Lots of chatter about it. More than a couple people e-mailed me to say it was happening. The one thing that hasn’t occurred — no press releases or actual press conference unveiling the change in apparel and shoe deals from Adidas to Nike. So, I don’t know anymore than the rest of you.

I have to admit that I don’t have any strong feelings one way or the other about this. When Pitt switched to Adidas from Nike for all gear (at the time Adidas was already the basketball supplier and other sports and Nike was only the football supplier), that there was some acrimony as Pitt had to file suit to get out of the deal.

The deal with Adidas was more lucrative, and Adidas was the company that produced the very pleasant throwback gear. (Hmm. Might have to buy some more, just in case Nike doesn’t continue that line.) Plus, it meant avoiding the dreaded “System of Fit.”

Of course, money talks, and this time it seems Nike has decided that it is willing to pay to get Coach Jamie Dixon (no offense to Coach Dave Wannstedt, but for sneakers the B-ball coach has the value) and Pitt’s apparel. I’m a little surprised that Adidas let Pitt go, considering their investment and actually marketing the team a bit this past March.

Honestly, I’m not sure what difference it makes for the fans. It may be gear in styles we like more. I really don’t see it getting more market penetration. That sort of thing is dependant on the success of the football and basketball programs, than Nike or Adidas. Both have a strong interest in making sure they make money off the deal, so I did not see Adidas as holding Pitt sales back in that regard.