Nike Unveils Updated Brand Identity For the University of Illinois

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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After years of storied history, the Fighting Illini have a new look. Longtime sponsor and partner, Nike, unveiled the new brand and system identity for the University of Illinois athletics department, which will be worn by all 19 of their intercollegiate sport programs.

The updating process took nearly two-years to complete as both Nike and the Illini wanted to enhance and improve the program while honoring the history and integrity of their academics and athletics. Both the University and Nike worked hand in hand with players, coaches and facility to develop the new look which will showcase consistent colors, lettering, and numerals that will be debuted by the football and basketball programs, and eventually spread to the other 17 sports programs the school has.

The "I" logo will still remain as the primary identifying feature for Illinois as Nike and the school felt it was necessary to preserve that history. The current color scheme of navy and orange was adopted by the Illini back in 1894, so Nike kept to tradition and maintained the schools color, but also added in a secondary pallet of white, steel grey, and metallic silver to give more options on uniforms in the future.

Check out the University of Illinois updated look in the gallery, and let us know what you think of this rebrand for one of the most historic sporting programs @SneakerReport. Fans of the new look can head over to FightingIllini.com or Nike.com to grab the jersey of their choice, with more on pre-sale set to release at the end of April.

[Nike]

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