WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University is launching the Purdue Wooden line which celebrates the remarkable Boilermaker and Basketball Hall of Famer, John Wooden. Purdue worked in collaboration with licensing and multimedia rights partner Learfield IMG College.
The tank shirt is a replica of the jersey Wooden wore during his basketball career at Purdue in the 1930s. Purdue block letters are on the front and Wooden’s No. 13 jersey number is on the back, mirroring the jersey Wooden once donned. Learfield IMG College and Purdue collaborated with Original Retro Brand to create this iconic piece of memorabilia that goes on-sale today at the Purdue Team Store and the University Bookstore.
“We are very pleased to have this piece of Purdue history commemorated in this way,” said Mike Bobinski, Purdue vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics. “And making it available at tournament time seems very appropriate given John Wooden’s place in NCAA Tournament history. Naturally, Purdue is very proud to count coach Wooden among our accomplished former players and alumni.”
Enduring interest of the authentic Wooden jersey began in May 2018 when legendary Purdue quarterback and 12- time NFL Pro Bowler Drew Brees purchased Wooden’s jersey in an auction and donated it to the University. Purdue proudly displays the museum-quality jersey in the Mackey Arena concourse.
Additional product in the Purdue Wooden line is in development for future use. For information about this legendary piece of Purdue memorabilia, please watch a video Purdue created here.
Learfield IMG College unlocks the value of college sports for brands, fans and universities through the representation of collegiate institutions, conferences and arenas. As a fully integrated sports marketing and solutions platform, Learfield IMG College provides access to licensing and multimedia sponsorship management, including publishing, radio, digital and social media; fan engagement, ticket sales and professional concessions expertise; branding; campus-wide business and sponsorship development; and venue technology systems.