When the Cavaliers take to Davenport Field next February, they'll be completely outfitted with gear sponsored by Wilson Sporting Goods, thanks in part to months of work and negotiation by Procurement and Athletics.
The baseball team was due for a renegotiation of their sponsorship contract earlier this year. The process began with a request for proposal (RFP) in March. Sourcing specialist Patrick Wood of Procurement handled the RFP and further negotiations, ultimately wrapping up the sponsorship deal in early July.
"This kind of RFP is unique in that UVA isn't purchasing anything," he says. "This is a revenue generation agreement where the sponsor provides us with athletic equipment and financial support."
That is an important distinction, as, once sponsorship proposals from athletic equipment companies rolled in by the April deadline, Wood found himself ready to negotiate the best deal for the baseball Cavs. As the team's season continued its upward trajectory, Wood could apply that as leverage for better financial support.
Besides financial levels, Wood negotiated on other contract intricacies, including which brand of bats would be provided. "One of the major decision factors was the Demarini baseball bats; the high school baseball league uses that brand and having them is a great recruitment tool for the team," he explains.
Ultimately, the deal was closed with Wilson as the five-year contract winner, and the Cavs winning a full range of sponsorship in the form of top-of-the-line co-branded uniforms and equipment. Many thanks to Wood and the rest of the RFP committee (comprised of members of Procurement and Athletics) for working behind the scenes to keep our Cavs in good shape!