USA Track and Field and Nike Inc. just announced a long term extension on their partnership that will significantly increase the support for track and field athletes in the United States. The agreement marks an ongoing commitment from Nike to sponsor the USATF, and extends their current contract from 2017 through 2040.
The new partnership will also allow Nike to fully support and outfit the Paralympic and masters track and field teams which was previously let out of the contract. Nike will continue to sponsor USA Track & Field's Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field Championships and will outfit all USATF teams in international competition, including the Olympics, World Championships, Pan American Games and World Junior Championships.
“This new deal is a game-changer for the sport and what USATF will be able to offer all of our constituents,” said USATF CEO Max Siegel. “In working together with Nike, we placed an emphasis on growth as well as scope, so we can broaden the level and breadth of support for all USATF programs. Nike's support for USA Track & Field and the sport as a whole is unmatched, and we look forward to this new era of collaboration.”
The new agreement is a huge deal for the USATF, and all track and field programs, as the decline in funding has led to a massive decrease in participation. With Nike's influence and support, we could again see the rise of track and field programs across the U.S.
[Nike]
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