University of Illinois Works With Nike To Design New Iook

The University of Illinois plans an unveiling of its work with Nike to rebrand the school's athletic teams.

The school plans to debut the designs April 16 at the 2,000-seat Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. The News-Gazette reports that donors, fans and alumni have been invited to the fashion show-like event.

Athletes will wear the new jerseys, shoes and other apparel next month. Assistant athletic director Marty Kaufmann says the last time Illini sports redesigned its image was in the 1990s. He says the process included looking at the school's visual identity, including logos, colors, fonts and uniforms. He calls it a "clean-up'' of the brand.

Nike has a 10-year contract to be the Illini's exclusive shoe and apparel provider. It runs through June 2015.