COLUMBIA, SC (September 14, 2020) – With the goal of providing the highest quality of responsibly sourced merchandise to its fans and consumers while increasing the value of its brand, the University of South Carolina has selected Hanesbrands Inc. as the University’s primary licensee for apparel products. The University worked with its exclusive licensing agent, CLC, to conduct a thorough analysis of its licensed apparel program to identify opportunities before executing the new 10-year agreement with Hanesbrands, which covers South Carolina branded men’s, women’s, youth, and infant/toddler apparel across the mass, mid-tier, and campus retail channels.

In addition to the new agreement with Hanesbrands, South Carolina will continue its partnership with Under Armour as exclusive supplier of uniforms for the University’s athletic teams, coaches, and staff, as well as licensed fan apparel. Semi-exclusive headwear partnerships that are currently in place will remain. South Carolina and Hanesbrands will also continue to work with CLC to use the company’s extensive, proprietary data to identify additional best-in-class licensees in select product categories that can help ensure a broad and diverse selection of merchandise for Gamecock fans and consumers. Gamecock fans and consumers will continue to see top brands across retail channels and price points to meet their needs.    

“Our trademark licensing program works to strategically manage the University’s logos and brands to provide quality merchandise for our fans while generating much-needed revenue to support important initiatives, and this new partnership with Hanesbrands helps us achieve these goals,” said Matthew Bridges, director of trademark licensing for South Carolina. “Hanesbrands and its family of apparel companies are committed to supporting our goals and investing in the future of our licensing program, and they have a strong record of corporate and social responsibility, which ensure the University has greater control over our supply chain.”

Hanesbrands has served as a University licensee under its Champion label for over 20 years. Under the new partnership, Hanesbrands will support South Carolina’s efforts to develop, grow, and market University-branded product and provide funding for the University’s participation in CLC’s innovative, customized marketing programs that connect and engage Gamecock fans across the country.

“We’re very pleased to be named the primary licensed apparel partner for the University of South Carolina and are ready to help the University build its branded apparel program in new and innovative ways,” said John Fryer, President, Sports Apparel, at Hanesbrands. “The customized apparel model we have developed with the University ensures South Carolina fans will have access to the highest quality of licensed apparel available made in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.”

Since 2012, South Carolina has been strategically managing its brand by utilizing data and market expertise it accesses through CLC to identify licensing partnerships that provide top-quality products for fans while ensuring long-term brand value for the University.

“As a long-time partner of South Carolina, we are proud to leverage our extensive resources and knowledge of the University’s licensing program to help secure this new agreement with Hanesbrands,” said Cory Moss, EVP and Managing Director of CLC. “We look forward to continuing to provide the support, services, and customized marketing platforms needed for continued growth of the South Carolina brand.”

New apparel designs are now available through the Gamecocks Team Store (shop.gamecocksonline.com), the University of South Carolina Bookstore, Addam’s University Bookstore, and Barefoot Campus Outfitters, as well as other retail outlets.

About Hanesbrands Inc.

Hanesbrands Inc., based in Winston-Salem, N.C., is a socially responsible leading marketer of everyday basic innerwear and activewear apparel in the Americas, Europe, Australia and Asia-Pacific. The company sells its products under some of the world’s strongest apparel brands, including Hanes, Champion, Alternative, and Gear for Sports. The company sells activewear, including T-shirts, performance sportswear, sports bras, sweatshirts and other fleece, and socks produced in the company’s low-cost global supply chain. A Fortune 500 company and member of the S&P 500 stock index (NYSE: HBI), Hanes has approximately 63,000 employees in more than 40 countries. Hanes takes pride in its strong reputation for ethical business practices. For more information, visit the company’s corporate website (www.hanes.com/corporate), corporate social responsibility website (www.hanesforgood.com) and newsroom at https://newsroom.hanesbrands.com/.

For more information on this release, please contact:

Tammy Purves, CLC, tammy.purves@clc.com, 404-932-3266

Matt Hall, Hanesbrands matt.hall@hanes.com, 336-519-3386