Official release from United States Soccer Federation
Nike and the U.S. Soccer Federation have announced a renewal of their partnership that will see the world's leading sports brand design and create the kits for the men's and women's United States teams at every level for nine more years.
"Nike is extremely proud to continue our longstanding partnership with U.S. Soccer," said Nike Brand President Trevor Edwards. "The partnership reinforces Nike's leadership in soccer, as we continue to deliver game-changing innovations on the pitch and share the same vision to further grow the sport as a whole in the U.S."
Nike and U.S. Soccer, currently celebrating its Centennial, have been partners since 1995. The partnership has been committed to supporting and developing the sport at all levels, from the U.S. Soccer National Teams to the U.S. Soccer Development Academy.
"Nike has been an outstanding partner and shares our long-term vision for progress, innovation and player development," said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. "We have enjoyed a tremendous history together that began as we both looked to elevate soccer in this country to new heights, and we look forward to building on our progress."
Since the relationship began, U.S. Soccer and Nike have shared some of the most significant moments in the history of the sport in the United States. In 1999, the USA captured the imagination of the world during its run to the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup championship. Three years later, the U.S. Men's National Team reached the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the first time in 72 years, highlighted by a 2-0 win against regional rival Mexico in the Round of 16. In addition, the USA has won four out of five Olympic gold medals that have been contested for women's soccer while also earning one silver medal.
After finishing first in the Hexagonal of 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying, the U.S. MNT is the top-ranked team in the region. The WNT maintains its position as the elite team in world football, having held the No. 1 FIFA ranking for more than five years. Numerous American players, including Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan, have solidified U.S. Soccer's reputation globally through sterling professional efforts internationally and stateside.
Mia Hamm, twice named the FIFA Women's World Player of the Year, became a global icon and has been followed by numerous talented players who can also be considered among the world's best, including 2012 FIFA Women's World Player of the Year Abby Wambach, goalkeeper Hope Solo and two of the top up-and-coming attacking personalities in the game in Alex Morgan and Sydney Leroux.
In 2013, the Men's National Team enjoyed unprecedented success, embarking on a record-setting 12-game winning streak and finishing with 16 victories, also a team-best. On the women's side, Wambach wrote another few lines in the record books, becoming the leading goal scorer in the history of international play for men or women.
