Today, the National Women’s Soccer League added a new key sponsor, Columbus, Ohio-based Nationwide. Nationwide is a Fortune 100 company that sells insurance and financial products. The sponsorship will be evident in all NWSL markets.
In the league’s announcement, NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird said:
“We are excited to embark on this partnership with Nationwide, a powerful brand with a long history in engaging sports fans. The NWSL and Nationwide are committed to the growth of this sport, investing in our athletes and creating a platform where we can make a difference in NWSL communities together.”
The focus of this partnership is the NWSL communities themselves. Nationwide will provide grants for community programs and give out an end-of-season award to teams for “exemplary service in the community.”
Nationwide’s partnership with the league is in line with a recent influx of money coming into the league. Other sponsorships include 2022 expansion side Angel City FC adding food delivery service DoorDash as their jersey sponsor and footwear brand Birdies as a sleeve sponsor. Another revenue stream are new owners across the league.
Los Angeles announced ownership spanning the sports and entertainment worlds with tennis star Serena Williams, WNBA player Candace Parker, actor Natalie Portman. And multiple US Soccer stars from the 1999 World Cup-winning side. Players like Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy.
In 2021 alone, Chicago added city-based investors; ESPN journalist Sarah Spain, Kendall Coyne Schofield from the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association, among others. Washington also added dozens of new owners, including two former president’s daughters: Chelsea Clinton and Jenna Bush Hager.
The NWSL begins their 2021 season with the Challenge Cup on April 9. The inaugural match features last year’s Challenge Cup winners the Houston Dash facing off against the Chicago Red Stars.
Click here for the full press release.
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