CHICAGO (February 10, 2022) – Loyola University Chicago and its trademark licensing agency, CLC, announce the launch of the uniquely designed Game of Change merchandise collection, which pays homage to the 1963 Loyola Rambler basketball team whose racially integrated players helped change the face of college basketball forever. 
 

The Game of Change collection is launching in conjunction with Black History Month and the debut of The Loyola Project, a film that chronicles the 1962-63 Loyola basketball team and Coach George Ireland's decision to defy the unwritten rule of limiting the number of black players that could be on the court at one time. The Loyola men's basketball team made history in the NCAA Tournament Round of 16 when it brought home a victory against the all-white Mississippi State team, which had originally been banned by state legislative order from playing against an integrated team. The Ramblers went on to defeat two-time defending champion Cincinnati to capture the 1963 national title. 
 

"Loyola is proud of the role the 1963 team played in desegregating college sports, and the Game of Change merchandise collection gives our fans a way to celebrate our leadership then and now in the fight for racial equality," said Tom Sorboro, Loyola's senior associate athletic director for external operations. "Our basketball team will also wear shooting shirts that honor the 1963 team at our February 13 game against Northern Iowa."

The specially curated Game of Change collection celebrates this moment in time with vintage-inspired apparel by Nike and L2, collectibles by Oxford Pennants, and replica uniforms by 19Nine. 

"We are proud to work with our partners at Loyola University Chicago to help develop this special collection to commemorate the Game of Change and the impactful 1963 team that led the way," Ben Emmons, VP of marketing at CLC. "We look forward to continuing to help the University tell its story through unique products and activations that connect to Loyola fans everywhere."

The Game of Change merchandise collection will be featured at the Chicago premiere and Loyola campus screenings of The Loyola Project (https://www.theloyolaproject.com). The collection is also available at a special concept shop at the University Bookstore, Dick's Sporting Goods, Rally House, Fanatics, nike.com, 19Nine.com, and will launch in store at Nike Chicago on Michigan Avenue on February 17.