USC signs 10-year agreement with apparel company tied to Cowboys’ Jerry Jones

USC announced Thursday it had signed a 10-year license agreement with Silver Star Merchandising, a Texas apparel manufacturer and distributor with ties to Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

The school did not release financial terms of the agreement, which takes effect in the fall.

The agreement gives Silver Star Merchandising, “exclusive license to manufacture and distribute USC branded apparel and headwear in the mass, mid-tier, sporting goods, specialty and online retail channels,” the announcement said. Nike remains the official outfitter of USC’s teams.

“It is a perfect marriage,” Athletic Director Pat Haden said in a statement. “When we were presented with the opportunity to partner with Silver Star Merchandising, it became clear to us that their expertise in the apparel business with a top brand like the Dallas Cowboys meant that they would represent and shepherd our USC brand in the same manner throughout Southern California and the United States.”

Jerry Jones Jr., president of Silver Star Merchandising, said in a statement: “We are excited about the opportunity to partner with a historic program like that at USC. We take very seriously the responsibility of managing a brand like the Trojans, and understand completely the hard work and dedication made by the coaches and student-athletes at USC to create that legacy.

“Knowing that, we will apply all our marketing and distribution resources into growing the brand and product lines for the benefit of everyone who follows USC.”