Boston College and New Balance: A Game-Changing Boston Alliance
- BC Football Fans
- 14 minutes ago
- 3 min read
A Groundbreaking Expansion for BC and New Balance
BOSTON, MA – Boston College Football is stepping onto a bigger stage, and it’s doing so with a unique partner. Beginning with the 2025 season, Boston College will become the first major NCAA football program fully outfitted by New Balance, marking a historic milestone for the Boston-based athletic apparel company.
Since 2021, all of Boston College’s varsity sports—except football—have proudly worn New Balance gear. Now, by adding football to the fold, the Eagles become New Balance’s flagship program in major college football, positioning BC for elevated national branding, recruiting appeal, and cultural distinctiveness within the crowded landscape of college athletics.
A Perfect Boston Match
At its core, this partnership feels like a natural hometown match. With New Balance headquartered just down the road from BC’s Chestnut Hill campus, the shared local roots add authenticity and synergy. Blake James, BC’s Director of Athletics, highlighted this connection, emphasizing that Boston College is thrilled to deepen its relationship with a “premium, world-class athletic brand.” James noted how New Balance’s commitment provides BC teams with exceptional resources and high-quality apparel.
Ray Hilvert, New Balance’s Vice President of Sport and a Boston College alumnus himself, echoed these sentiments, calling the partnership a powerful example of two iconic Boston institutions coming together. “Together, we are building a unique community that will inspire future generations of players, fans, and leaders,” Hilvert said.
A Unique Spotlight
Being the only Power Five program aligned with New Balance immediately sets Boston College apart from its peers. Head Coach Bill O’Brien recognized this distinct advantage, noting, “Our players and staff are thrilled to represent two iconic brands—Boston College and New Balance. Being the only power conference football program to align with a cutting-edge organization like New Balance is a great opportunity that sets us apart.”
The potential for this partnership recalls the transformative relationship between the University of Oregon and Nike. Oregon leveraged Nike’s innovative branding and design to dramatically enhance its national profile, recruiting appeal, and cultural relevance. Boston College now has a similar chance to establish its identity uniquely, benefiting from New Balance’s investment and creativity.
Recruiting in a Bold New Era
In college football, brand identity matters significantly in recruiting. With New Balance, BC coaches gain a fresh recruiting pitch: the chance to be part of something distinctively new. Recruits looking for a unique platform to stand out can see BC as a singular choice, especially when many programs are associated with more commonly used brands.
New Balance’s growing appeal among young athletes, with NBA and NFL stars endorsing their gear, adds an attractive cachet. BC athletes could potentially benefit from collaborative opportunities in product development and design, which former BC athletic director Pat Kraft previously described as "transformational" for students.
Crafting a Distinct Identity
Perhaps most valuable is the cultural identity this deal brings to Boston College Football. The Eagles have the chance to carve out a niche, distinguishing themselves not just regionally but nationally. While tradition remains important, fresh uniform designs and innovative gear from New Balance can significantly boost excitement around the program.
Coach O’Brien sees clearly the strategic advantage of this partnership, emphasizing the unique identity it can build for the Eagles. “This great opportunity sets us apart,” he stated. Boston College is betting that this alignment with New Balance isn’t just a fashion statement—it’s a strategic step toward sustained national relevance and competitive success.
As BC takes the field in 2025, the partnership with New Balance promises not just new uniforms but a refreshed identity—one grounded in Boston pride and ambitious enough to redefine the future of Eagles football.