Grateful Ducks: The Grateful Dead and University of Oregon Unveil Latest Collaborations

Hana Gustafson on February 10, 2026

Photo via the Oregon Ducks’ Official Twitter/X

The University of Oregon and the Grateful Dead have once again flexed their connection with a new Nike collaboration.

After unveiling a series of sneakers, apparel, and football gear that highlighted the Pacific Northwest university’s bond with the band in October 2025, the affiliates took it from the field to the basketball court on Wednesday, Jan. 28, during the Ducks v. UCLA game.

As a tribute to the late UCLA center and renowned deadhead, Bill Walton, Oregon’s players debuted the Nike Sabrina 3 “Grateful Ducks” sneakers during their aforementioned game against the Bruins. The shoe is the latest addition to University of Oregon alum and WNBA All-Star Sabrina Ionescu’s ongoing namesake collection, which has already featured collaborations with the university’s semi-aquatic mascot and football coach Dan Lanning.

The Grateful Ducks sneakers feature the band’s signature tie-dye colorway on both the toe and heel, while the tongue is embellished with a combined Dead/Ducks logo and the year 1990 as a historical nod. Adding extra flair, the soles of the shoes feature a signature dancing ducks graphic and a cosmic blast of shooting stars.

Beyond sneakers, the night also featured the debut of apparel/ team warm-ups including a tie-dye long-sleeve shirt featuring a semi-circle of dancing bears, bouncing basketballs, and the collaborative moniker: “Grateful Ducks.”

No official release information has been made public following the on-court debut.

The Grateful Dead’s inaugural performance at Autzen Stadium occurred on June 25, 1978. In the late 80s, the band began playing at the outdoor venue, known for the commentator’s quip: “It never rains in Autzen Stadium,” including annual visits in ‘87 and ‘88. In 1990, the band performed a two-night run, and repeated the feat in ‘93, before their final visit, which took place over three nights, June 17-19, 1994.

View images of the latest shoe and appeal collaboration below.

On feet tonight for @OregonMBB.

Honoring the legacy of the Grateful Dead at the University of Oregon. #GratefulDucks pic.twitter.com/u7DNTMHePO

— GoDucks (@GoDucks) January 29, 2026