Ava Toth is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Basha High School for AZPreps365.com

CHANDLER — A partnership with Nike is helping Basha’s football program make money from apparel to buy equipment, giving the school more flexibility in managing season costs. 

Through its longstanding Nike partnership, Basha receives promotional funding and discounted apparel. 

Blake Silberschlag, Basha’s athletic equipment manager, said the football program receives $20,000 in promotional funding for Nike apparel and gear through a combination of Nike and BSN Sports, not as a direct cash payment.

“Before we entered into this deal, we were buying everything on our own, so that included coaches' apparel, player gear, uniforms, coming out of booster funds,” Silberschlag said. 

The partnership has changed how Basha allocates its money. The football program still purchases uniforms, but at a discounted rate, while coaches’ apparel is covered through Nike promotional funding. 

Silberschlag said the arrangement allows the program to prioritize other expenses, including helmets, shoulder pads and practice equipment. 

“Having this partnership contract, it really helps take pressure off,” Silberschlag said. “Now we don’t have to worry about coaches' gear, parts of the uniform; we don't have to worry about parts of player apparel.” “We can put that money towards investing in better helmets and better shoulder pads and better equipment that we can use every day as well.”

The $20,000 promotional allowance applies specifically to Basha football. Other Basha athletic programs receive separate annual funding allocations through BSN Sports, according to Silberschlag. 

Justin Hinkle, a Nike representative with BSN Sports, said the partnership is structured similarly to a college apparel agreement, although on a smaller scale. 

Nike provides special incentives, promotional products and discounts, while BSN Sports facilitates the partnership’s day-to-day operations. Hinkle said the benefits extend to organizations throughout Basha, including athletic teams, the band, student council and academic programs. 

“Every kid and every faculty member at Basha has the opportunity to capitalize and rep the brand proudly,” Hinkle said. 

For Nike, Basha’s athletic success and reputation make the school an appealing partner. Basha’s football program won the 2025 Open Division state championship, while other athletic and academic programs have also earned recognition. 

Hinkle said Nike partners with schools throughout the Valley, including programs that do not necessarily have the same level of athletic success as Basha. 

The partnership allows Basha to distinguish itself from other schools in the East Valley. 

“From our end, it helps us brand and separate us from the others a little bit,” Silberschlag said.

Basha renewed and expanded its agreement with BSN Sports last year, according to Silberschlag. He said the relationship benefits both sides by allowing Basha to continue building its reputation while providing Nike with additional brand exposure. 

Basha athletic director Eric Magana said the agreement gives the school’s athletes a platform through a globally recognized brand. 

“It’s a mutual partnership that benefits Basha in giving our athletic program a high-profile platform for our student-athletes,” Magana said. “Nike is a worldwide brand and to have a Jordan Brand football program is unique, as there are only 35 or so high schools that have that designation.”

Although the partnership helps reduce apparel expenses, it does not fully fund the cost of running a football program. Basha still has to purchase uniforms and other equipment, making the financial arrangement an important part of managing the team’s budget.