Oregon's collective Division Street releases Nike Air Max 95/97 for NIL

The Oregon-focused NIL collective, Division Street, is partnering with GOAT and Flight Club to release the first-ever Nike Air Max 95/97, with the proceeds going back to the Ducks’ NIL operations. It’s not the first time that Division Street, founded by Nike’s Phil Knight, has leaned into the swoosh.

The Air Max 95/97 will be available in three colorways: Lightning, Thunder and Storm. Marrying together the Air Max 95 and Air Max 97, the never-before-seen shoe features Oregon colors and logos. The separate colorways are set to be released toward the end of the month on separate platforms.

The NIL collective has previously teamed up with the famed Nike shoe designer Tinker Hatfield to release special edition sneakers. The collective has previously dropped exclusive Air Jordan 8s, a Dunk Low and an Air Force 1 Low.

“I don’t really don’t care what people think,” Oregon head coach Dan Lanning previously said about the program’s advanced NIL collective. “I just want to win; I know the reality of what our situation is here. There’s not a top-10 program in the nation that’s not funded and in a good position to compete, or they wouldn’t be a top-10 program.”

Division Street creating multiple revenue streams

Along with a group of alumni, Nike co-founder Phil Knight launched Division Street in September 2021, soon after the NCAA allowed NIL. Division St. CEO Rosemary St. Clair is the former vice president of Nike Women.

Former Oregon women’s basketball star Sabrina Ionescu is also the chief athlete officer and senior advisor. Former Nike sports marketing vice president Rudy Chapa formerly sat on the collective’s board.

The collective has been creative in creating revenue streams. Nearly 70% of the revenue from the initial Flying Formations NFT auction in February 2022 went to participating members of the football team. Another 10% was set aside for other Oregon athletic programs. Created in collaboration with the Oregon football team, the 120 digital art pieces were produced and serialized, with the Duck logo used as inspiration.

Along with NFTs, Division Street has released apparel with Oregon athletes promoting the merchandise. Division Street has established itself as one of the top collectives in college sports. Along with plenty of former sports marketing talent, the organization enlisted a creative company led by former Nike and Jordan brand executives.

All of it has also helped Oregon win on the recruiting trail. With Nike in its backyard, the Ducks have been able to sell athletes on NIL opportunities in Eugene. It was named one of On3’s top 15 NIL collectives in college sports last summer.