First off, I think we can all agree Adidas is absolute trash so we can ignore it.
New Balance started the arms race this year by scooping up many of the top distance runners. I believe this began with them focusing on the Brooks PR runners and there was the extra day for travel by starting a day later than NON.
(side note) I wonder what would have happened to Brooks PR if the USATF had not fumbled the whole U20 thing. How many would have opted for U20's if there had been a clear announcement earlier?
NON was trapped by having to finish by Saturday afternoon this year due to Oregon's graduation that always seems to fall on the Monday after (next year it is Monday June 16, 2025). It makes trying to find any accommodations especially hard for the weekend. Last year was bad when it finished on Sunday.
I love Eugene but it is a pain to get to. Philly is 10x easier and cheaper for most of the country.
My understanding is that Nike is going to expand their Elite program. They have to. Or they need to create several levels of it so they can ensure getting athletes in the coming years. Folks not only have Eugene fatigue (next year expect the Big Tens, NCAA finals then NON), but if the top athletes are going to NBO, others will too. By locking in more top athletes earlier (and for NIN), they can stay in the game. Otherwise this becomes a West Coast and big Nike club meet.
My guess is that Nike is going to try and lock in top underclassmen now to guarantee they have them for the next few years. This may force NB to do the same and expand their NIL program.
The question will be:will an athlete give up NBI to be locked in for both Nike events?
