Bulls Announce Three-Year Deal with New Era

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- New Era Cap Company, based locally in Derby, N.Y., has signed a three-year deal with the University at Buffalo Athletic Department that will include the "Turner Gill Sideline Collection," signature caps that will be unique to UB Athletics.

New Era Cap Company is the largest sports-licensed headwear company in the United States. The company is the premier cap provider for MLB, as well as a number of NBA and NHL franchises, plus a number of major collegiate athletic programs. New Era has been a sponsor of UB Athletics since the Bulls' ascension to Division I-A, but this deal is the most comprehensive and, according to Director of Athletics Warde Manuel, "will give us an opportunity to brand the UB name nationwide."

"This is an exciting partnership for UB Athletics," said Manuel, "because we are working with not only a nationally known brand that garners great respect in sports circles, but also a highly successful company right here in Western New York. This level of commitment puts us at level of many other major players in collegiate athletics."

"We are proud to support a first-class and emerging program like UB Athletics," said New Era's Vice President of Global Marketing John DeWaal. "New Era products are associated with some of the biggest teams in sports and we are thrilled to add UB to our roster."

The deal makes New Era the preferred cap provider for UB Athletics, while all UB student-athletes and coaches will wear New Era hats in practice and competition. In addition, New Era caps will be sold exclusively on UB's athletic Web site -- http://www.buffalobulls.com -- and on gamedays. The Turner Gill "Sideline Collection," will feature five custom-designed caps, a knit toque and a visor, exclusive to Bulls' football.

The company also is sponsoring the Turner Gill Bobblehead, which will be handed out to the first 2,500 fans attending Buffalo's Homecoming game versus Ball State on Saturday, Oct. 7.

"New Era has really stepped up in its support of both our football program as well the entire athletic department," said Gill. "I look forward to a long relationship with New Era and applaud what they are doing in Western New York with their highly successful company."