The Football Australia national governing body has today announced a 10-year partnership extension with US sportswear giant NIKE.
Through the long-term renewal, the brand will continue to be the official apparel partner for all Australian national teams, including the men’s Socceroos, women’s Matildas, junior, and youth men's and women's squads, as well as the Pararoos, and ParaMatildas.
The extended agreement will push the tie-up between the two parties into a third decade, the longest of Nike’s federation and club partnerships in Australia.
GlobalData understands the new deal includes significantly increased commercial terms.
The sportswear heavyweight and Football Australia’s existing 11-year agreement was due to expire this year. The two parties have been partners since 2004.
As well as supporting the national teams, Nike will invest in Football Australia’s grassroots participation, inclusivity programs, and its Legacy '23 strategy, which focuses on growing women’s soccer after successfully staging the FIFA Women’s World Cup with New Zealand this year.
James Johnson, Football Australia chief executive, said: “This is a pivotal moment for Australian football. This extended partnership with Nike not only solidifies its commitment to our national teams, but also provides significant resources for the growth of grassroots football, our Legacy ’23 plan, and the strategic building of our national iconic brands.
“Our partnership with Nike has been transformative, and this extension represents a strong endorsement for Football Australia and the growth of football at all levels across the nation. This partnership extension signifies the strength and continued elevation of Australian football on the international stage.”
Ashley Reade, Nike Pacific vice president and general manager, added: “In the past two decades we’ve seen football in Australia grow to incredible heights and this year achieve sold-out stadiums and record-breaking jersey sales. Nike is incredibly proud of the partnership with Football Australia to drive these outcomes.
“This year’s major tournament was a generational tipping point. We believe in the vision of Football Australia and look forward to playing our part in the sport's continued growth.”
Football Australia recently pulled out of the race to host the men’s World Cup in 2034 but is instead targeting the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup and FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup in 2029.