Stephen Curry missed the Warriors' playoff game in Houston because of an ankle injury, but he still helped post some eye-popping numbers Thursday.
Under Armour reported a 30 percent increase in total sales in the first quarter of the year, and the popularity of Curry's signature sneakers was a major factor.
"And to be clear, that 30 percent number was no accident," Under Amour CEO Kevin Plank said on an earnings call. "When Stephen Curry decided to average 30 points this season to take the scoring title while wearing the number 30, we thought that putting up 30 percent growth on our end was the best way for us to demonstrate our pride and support of Stephen and the Warriors."
All kidding aside, Curry has been the biggest star in Under Armour's relatively small but elite stable of athlete endorsers that includes Tom Brady, Bryce Harper, Cam Newton, Jordan Spieth, Buster Posey, Clayton Kershaw, Lindsey Vonn and Michael Phelps.
Apparel still accounts for two-thirds of Under Armour's revenue. But in the first quarter of this year, its footwear sales posted a 64 percent increase, and Curry's record-breaking season fueled the surge.
A new version of his shoe, the Curry 2.5, is scheduled for release next month.
Engineered to control the biggest stage.
The Curry 2.5 drops 5.28. pic.twitter.com/9KZwjEQrc0— Under Armour Hoops (@UAbasketball) April 15, 2016
Under Armour followed up its upbeat news for Wall Street analysts by announcing Friday that it has struck a deal with Cal for 10 years and $85.6 million. It goes into effect in July 2017 when the Golden Bears' current contract with Nike expires.
"The Bears have been a Nike school for many years but, a source said, felt underappreciated by the company, which also represents Stanford -- the alma mater of Swoosh founder Phil Knight," writes Jon Wilner of the San Jose Mercury News.
Under Armour "has been looking to increase its presence in the west," according to the Baltimore Sun, and Utah had been its only Pac-12 school.
