As of this writing, 13 of the 13 top female athletes sponsored in part by Nike are pregnant. However, the new policy protects them from reductions in their pay during the 18 month preceding and immediately following the 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-sponsor athletes are pregnant
Thirteen of Nike's top sponsored female athletes are expecting or have given birth to a child. This worrying trend of female athletes getting pregnant is especially concerning for those who have given their lives to their chosen sport. 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 them have voiced concern and requested protection from punishment following childbirth.
Nike's 18-month-old pregnancy policy protects them in the face of pay cuts
The pay cuts that women receive in sports (including the Olympic team) are often blamed. Nike has taken steps to protect female athletes from these cuts. Nike executives sent a letter to female athletes stating that they did not account for pregnancy in the sponsorship agreements. However they have since added protection language regarding pregnancy to the contracts. Felix explains why Nike made changes to its policy.
Allyson Feliz
Allyson Felix was involved, a few years ago in a dispute regarding maternity rights with Nike. She claimed Nike's attitude was rude and tone deaf. Ultimately, Nike agreed to make changes, including not penalizing Felix for poor performance during pregnancy or postpartum. However, this is a terrible situation for all involved. In light of the new situation, Felix has signed a new contract with Athleta.
Alyssia Monano's pregnancies
Alyssia Monteno, a pregnant Olympic athlete, has been in the news. Mexican-born Montano competed in the women’s marathon in 2014, 2017 and while she was pregnant with her second child. Her pregnancy was significant for her and the company reduced her pay retroactively. She stated that Nike and U.S. Olympic Committee had put pressure on her to return to full athletic form as soon as possible. After her first baby, she decided to leave Nike and sign with Asics. Here, she was able continue competing and compete without any pay cuts. She was afraid that she would not be able to return to her former level and it could threaten her future sponsorships.
Allyson Felix reacts at nike's advertisement
Allyson Felix has been in negotiations with Nike for her maternity coverages. According to her, Nike approached her for a role in an ad on female empowerment and she didn't know she was pregnant. To keep her contract with the company, she was required to take a 70% pay reduction. She also requested certain maternity protections such as the freedom to choose her own doctor. Nike refused. The ad has caused a larger debate on the rights of female athletes.