More from a release from the Xavier athletic department: "This is exciting news for all of our 18 programs. Nike is the gold standard for footwear and apparel both in terms of quality and popularity," said Xavier University Athletic Director Greg Christopher. "It is the clear industry leader and brand of choice for our fans, coaches, student-athletes and recruits. I am excited that we can unify our Xavier Athletics brand for all sports with Nike." "It's with great excitement that we will be expanding our partnership with Xavier University athletics" said Nike Director of College Basketball Sports Marketing Eric Lautenbach. "We are proud that the NIKE will be associated with Xavier University athletics as they continue to compete for and pursue championships." Xavier Men's Basketball has been a Nike program since 2001-02. It was elevated to Nike NTS Promo status in 2010, which is the highest Nike tier a men's basketball program can achieve without winning a national championship. "Nike is synonymous with the best athletes and teams in the world," said Xavier head men's basketball coach Chris Mack. "Our affiliation with Nike allows our program to take advantage of their innovation, resources and unparalleled drive for success for athletes."​ On the collegiate level, Nike has outfitted 15 of the last 18 National Champions in men's basketball. Of last year's men's basketball NCAA Tournament field, 50 of the 68 teams were Nike programs. On the gridiron, all four teams selected for this January's Inaugural College Football Playoff were Nike programs. Nike's reach extends well beyond college athletics. Nike is the official partner of the National Football League, 18 different countries for their national teams in men's basketball (including the United States), 30 countries for their national teams in soccer (including the United States) in addition to golf icons Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.