Colorado Mesa University Athletics opened the 2026 football season by celebrating a new chapter for the Mavericks on August 27, officially launching CMU + Nike, built with BSN Sports.
The home opener against Minnesota State-Mankato brought together Maverick fans, student-athletes, alumni, supporters and campus partners for an evening centered on the future of CMU Athletics.
The celebration began at the FCI Premium Tailgate, where fans were introduced to CMU + Nike, a partnership built with BSN Sports. CMU announced in April that Nike would become the official provider of athletic apparel, footwear and equipment for Maverick Athletics, with the transition beginning during the 2026-27 academic year and continuing through fall 2028.
The tailgate allowed fans to embrace the next era of Maverick Athletics. The first 300 fans received CMU + Nike shirts and could select from a collection of designs to create a personalized shirt. Designs were heat-pressed onto the shirts live at the event, with many of the designs created by CMU graphic design students working within the Athletics' creative media team.
The result was more than a traditional giveaway. The immersive experience brought fans into a CMU + Nike themed Connex unit, where each shirt became a unique representation of the Maverick brand, while showcasing the creativity of CMU students.
The launch was also a collaborative effort across the university. Led by the CMU Athletics Creative Media team, the CMU Foundation, Student Life and other campus partners worked together to bring CMU + Nike to life throughout the home opener and ensure the new partnership was represented across the event.
"Seeing the CMU + Nike activation come to life, in partnership with BSN Sports, was incredible. From students designing the heat-press graphics to the on-demand experience that let fans DIY their own shirts, this is unlike anything CMU Athletics has done before. It shows what's possible when our campus and community come together," said Rob Courtney, CMU Director of Athletics.
In addition, BSN Sports and Storm’s Specialty Services, LLC, were recognized for their support for the celebration and their role in helping bring the event together.
Together, the Nike partnership and football facility groundbreaking made the home opener about more than the start of a new football season. They represented CMU Athletics’ continued momentum and a commitment to building the future of Maverick Athletics through partnerships, investment and collaboration.