Auburn may be nearing a final decision on its next apparel deal, Athletic Director John Cohen suggested on a Tuesday appearance on Next Round Live.

“We feel like we’re in a very, very positive place right now,” Cohen said on the show broadcast live from Auburn’s campus Tuesday. “I think our fanbase, everyone connected with Auburn is going to be very pleased with where we are. Just not ready to release because not all the I’s are dotted and the T’s are crossed.”

Cohen kept his statements vague and did not share details on who he had negotiated with. Auburn has been in deals with Under Armour as its apparel provider since 2006. It signed an extension with Under Armour in 2015.

But with Under Armour in significant financial trouble, it has been suggested Auburn could be on its way out and Nike appears the new suitor. As of Sept. 1, 2023, Auburn was free to negotiate with other companies. Whichever company Auburn signs with, the new deal will begin after the current deal expires in June 2025.

Auburn signed a nine-year extension with Under Armour in 2015 worth just over $78 million that included stock in the company.

But the value of that stock has declined considerably.

In 2015, when Auburn signed the extension, Under Armour stock was at a record high. At the time, Under Armour had attention comparable to Nike.

Since then, the stock has lost about 85% of its value.

Several schools including UCLA and Cal have canceled deals with Under Armour. However, the brand was able to retain Notre Dame, arguably its biggest college brand, with a new 10-year deal.

Auburn is one of the biggest football brands currently within Under Armour’s brand. Losing Auburn would be another large blow, should that occur.

In March, Kevin Plank returned as Under Armour’s CEO. He has visited Auburn several times to meet with Cohen.

In the interview with Next Round Live, Cohen specifically mentioned the shoes for athletes. It’s a notable comment as Under Armour’s cleats have repeatedly received criticism from student-athletes.

In 2018 while still in a deal with Under Armour, UCLA track athletes raised concerns about the shoes from Under Armour. Trainers had to be in contact with the company to voice concerns.

Cohen did not give a timeline for when the deal will become official. Fans have voiced complaints about the Under Armour merchandise over the years and have been in vocal support of a move to Nike.

“We’re excited about where we are and excited the future in that area,” Cohen said. “We feel like, again, our student-athletes all the way to our fans and alumni are really going to enjoy it.”

Matt Cohen covers Auburn sports for AL.com. You can follow him on X at @Matt_Cohen_ or email him at [email protected]