United World Wrestling hails landmark Nike deal

United World Wrestling, the sport’s global governing body, has entered into a strategic partnership with US sportswear company Nike.

UWW’s four-year agreement with Nike Wrestling also incorporates Nike’s global distributor, Athlete Performance Solutions.

The partnership will cover the 2020 summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. As part of the deal, Nike will have a presence at all UWW events and across a range of marketing initiatives.

Nike will also be granted rights to develop, distribute and sell UWW-branded merchandise and event-specific products. UWW president Nenad Lalovic said the partnership represents a “landmark day” for the organisation.

APS president Eddie Brown added: “It’s an honour to partner with the UWW as they continue to modernise and improve the sport of wrestling. Our relationship with the UWW will enable Nike to develop deep connections with the global wrestling community. We look forward to engaging with UWW and their athletes, coaches, officials, and national federations to help us deliver the wrestling community the newest and most innovative products in the world.” 

APS is Nike’s globally authorised distributor across several sports including wrestling, boxing, weightlifting, fencing, volleyball, rowing and field hockey.