As of writing, 13 of 13 top female athletes sponsored by Nike were pregnant. This is despite their new policy which protects them against any reductions in pay for the 18-months preceding and subsequent to their pregnancy. Two of these athletes are Serena Williams (tennis legend) and Sabrina Ionescu (WNBA star). The Nike Collective was established to ensure that women athletes were involved in company decisions. A number of other factors are important for Nike's growth as a brand as well as the sport.
13 of Nike's top sponsored athletes are pregnant
Thirteen of Nike’s top female athletes have either given birth or are in the process of giving birth. For women who have dedicated their lives and careers to their sport, this trend of athletes becoming mothers is particularly troubling. Nike's policy about maternity leaves athletes feeling unsafe and unprotected. This is in addition to the lack of support athletes receive during pregnancy. Many of these women have spoken out against the problem and requested protection from punishment after childbirth.
Nike's new pregnancy policy protects them for 18 months from any pay cut
Women in sports, including the Olympic team, are often criticised for their pay cuts. Nike has taken steps to protect female athletes from these cuts. Nike executives sent a note to female athletes explaining that they had not properly considered pregnancy in sponsorship agreements. But that they now have pregnancy protection language in the contracts. Felix explains why Nike changed its policy.
Allyson Felix
Allyson Felix was involved a dispute with Nike about maternity rights a few decades ago. She claimed Nike's attitude was rude and tone deaf. Nike made changes and did not penalize Felix for poor performance in pregnancy or after birth. This is unfortunate for all. Felix has now signed a new contract at Athleta, in light of the current situation.
Alyssia Montano's pregnancy
Alyssia Monteno, a pregnant Olympic athlete, has been in the news. The Mexican-born athlete competed in the women's marathon in 2014 and 2017, when she was pregnant with her first child. Her pregnancy was significant for her and the company reduced her pay retroactively. She explained that Nike and U.S. Olympic Committee pressured her to get back to her former athletic form quickly. She left Nike after her first pregnancy and signed with Asics, where she was able to continue competing and compete without pay cuts. The company feared that she wouldn't return at the same level as her previous sponsorships.
Allyson Felix reacts to the nike ad
Allyson Felix has been in negotiations with Nike for her maternity coverages. She says that when Nike asked her to appear in an ad about female empowerment, she was unaware that she was pregnant. In December, her contract expired with the company. She was then asked to accept a 70% salary cut in order to remain with them. Nike denied her requests for certain maternity protections. The ad caused a bigger debate about the rights to female athletes.