Current Jersey Sponsors in the NWSL

The NWSL launched last weekend with clubs in Nike kits, many of which were splashed with corporate logos of jersey sponsorships. Although the big four leagues in North America (NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL) have yet to open the doors to jersey sponsorships, it's something the smaller leagues have embraced for awhile.

Both the MLS and the WNBA are examples of how organizations can innovate their way into financial viability. Jersey sponsorships are rare in North American sports but what these leagues, and the NWSL, realize is that the additional real estate the jersey provides for logo placement can bring value. No doubt the players don't mind being moving billboards if it means they have a league to play in.

At least six out of the eight NWSL clubs will feature jersey sponsors this inaugural season.

Sky Blue FC, 2ND FLOOR Youth Helpline
Probably the most untraditional sponsorship in the league, Sky Blue FC have partnered with a youth not-for-profit. Although no details of the sponsorship have been disclosed, if similar to the Barcelona x Unicef model, Sky Blue FC will pay or give 2ND FLOOR Youth Helpline the jersey real estate for free in order to carry its name on the jersey and promote awareness of it's programming. The not-for-profit provides a helpline for young people seeking assistance for problems before they become unmanageable or life-threatening.

Portland Thorns FC, Providence Health & Services
A multi-year deal, the financial terms were not disclosed. The partnership will promote health and fitness programming with a focus on women and children, including Providence Health and Fitness Days at Jeld-Wen Field. The Thorns FC is the only NWSL team that shares ownership with an MLS team, and although the jersey sponsor is not aligned with the Timbers (Alaska Airlines) it does reinforce an already existing partnership - there is a 12,000-square-foot Providence Sports Care Center at the southeast corner of Jeld-Wen Field. The agreement will enable Providence Health & Services to expand their "Tickets to Kids" program by donating 25 tickets to every Portland Timbers and now Thorns FC home match. The team also secured a secondary jersey back sponsor (Parklane Mattresses), the only NWSL to do so.

FC Kansas City, Title Boxing Company
A 3-year deal, the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed of what was the NWSL's first jersey sponsorship reveal. A large majority of Title Boxing Company members are females with locations in over 25 states.

Boston Breakers, Ocean Spray
Brokered by Boston-based sports and entertainment agency Altus Marketing and Management, the deal lands the Breakers their first jersey sponsorship since 2010 (during the WPS era). The terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Western New York Flash, Sahlen Packing Co.
Probably one of the most involved sponsorships in the league, fifth-generation family business owner Joe Sahlen started the WNY Flash in 2008 and his name also features on the official practice field, Sahlen's Sport Park, as well as the team's home field, Sahlen's Stadium. The logo will feature on the front and back of the jerseys for the 2013 season. Sahlen provides high quality meat products.

Seattle Reign FC, Moda Health
Seattle revealed their jersey sponsor as insurance provider Moda Health, although no further details about the deal were offered.

The Chicago Red Stars and Washington Spirit started the season with blank kits.


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