FLORENCE, Ala. -- The University of North Alabama Athletic Department, adidas and Athletic Shop Team Sports announced today that adidas will become the Lions' official brand for athletic footwear, apparel and accessories through the 2021-2022 academic year.

The five-year agreement with adidas is one that will benefit the entire UNA Athletic Department, according to Athletic Director Mark Linder.

"We are committed to strengthening our brand and enhancing our student-athlete experience here at UNA and this partnership with adidas will help us do both," said Linder. " Adidas is one of the largest and most recognized brands in the world and they have provided tremendous incentives that will help enhance our entire department."

According to Linder, all 14 of UNA's athletic teams will compete in adidas uniforms beginning in the Fall of 2017.

"The Athletic Shop has been serving programs all over the south for over 40 years," said owner Nathan Brooks.  "Our mission is to build meaningful relationships through serving others.  UNA's success on the field speaks for itself, but what I have been most impressed by is the quality of people at UNA we have worked with to make this deal happen.  I look forwarded to building relationships with each of them over the coming years. "