NWSL scores long-term deal with Nike

Nike to continue as the NWSL’s kit sponsors till 2030.

The National Women’s Soccer League has extended its partnership with sportswear giant Nike, which will see the latter continue as the league’s kit partner till 2030.

Although the finer details of the deal weren’t made public, it is reported that the deal is the ‘most substantial agreement’ in NWSL history. Nike was a founding partner of the league back in 2012, and the new deal will see it supply kits to the league’s teams for at least nine more years.

The deal comes at a tumultuous time for the league that has recently seen its commissioner Lisa Baird resign last month in the wake of a sexual coercion scandal which shocked the footballing world.

Marla Messing, the NWSL’s interim CEO, commented:

“This extension marks the largest commercial deal in NWSL history and is a strong show of support from one of the greatest sports marketing companies in the world.

“Since the beginning, Nike and the NWSL together have driven significant growth of this great game for all, in the US and around the world, and we couldn’t be more excited to extend this foundational partnership well into our second decade of play.

“With this agreement, Nike is showing the world again what it means to support athletes, helping to grow the opportunities available for them to compete, and supporting the NWSL and its athletes in its effort to remain the premier destination for the world’s most elite players.”

Becca Kerr, Nike vice president and general manager of North America Women’s, added:

“Nike continues to champion long-term change in women’s sports. Our ongoing partnership with NWSL and our continued investments in soccer through partnership and grassroots efforts are catalyzing action and progress to help drive that change.”