The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is continuing its Women’s World Cup boost by extending its partnership with Nike until 2022. Terms were not disclosed.
Nike’s role as the league’s official uniform, apparel and equipment provider was due to expire at the end of the 2019 season. The manufacturer has partnered with the league since its inception in 2013.
“Having Nike’s continued support behind NWSL and our athletes demonstrates our shared commitment to elevating professional soccer in the United States,” said NWSL president Amanda Duffy in a statement. “The relationship with Nike aligns with our goals to strengthen the level of competition, as well as to support and develop female athletes as they to continue to train and play at the highest level.”
Following the Women’s World Cup in France, the NWSL has also announced a media-rights deal with ESPN until the end of the season and a sponsorship deal with Budweiser.
Duffy told SportBusiness in June that the league was looking to use the tournament to secure long-term gains for the league, and these latest agreements represent an immediate boost in that direction.
The Nike renewal opens the door for FC Barcelona to enter a team in the league. The LaLiga giants are eager to become the first European club to set up a women’s team in the US but the stumbling block has been Barça’s own partnership Nike, which runs through 2023.