US sportswear firm Nike has been announced as the official performance wear partner of the Boat Race for the 2014 edition of the historic UK rowing event.
The iconic race between the Oxford and Cambridge University teams on London’s River Thames takes place on April 6 this year. Nike will also sponsor the corresponding women’s event at Henley-on-Thames seven days beforehand. From 2015, the two races will take place on the River Thames on the same day.
Under the agreement, Nike will produce the race and training kit for all crews, while developing and retailing branded merchandise.
US bank BNY Mellon has served as the title sponsor of the Boat Race since 2012, with investment management group Newton holding the designation for the women’s race.