Athletes Unlimited and Nike announce expanded partnership

March 3, 2023, New York, N.Y. – Athletes Unlimited – which launched exactly three years ago today – is celebrating its anniversary in style: expanding its partnership with Nike. The league also recently announced it was named one of the “World’s Most Innovative Companies” by Fast Company, the first women’s sports league to earn the honor. 

Nike has supported Athletes Unlimited since its inception in 2020. As the Official Uniform, Athletic Apparel and Footwear partner of Athletes Unlimited, Nike provides uniforms and footwear for all Athletes Unlimited sports (softball, lacrosse, volleyball and basketball) in addition to other support for the organization, including involvement in grassroots and community events, working together to shape the future of sport. 

“When we launched in March of 2020, we never imagined that just three short years later we’d have such a major partnership with Nike and be the first ever women’s sports league to be named one of the world’s most innovative companies, among so many other accomplishments,” said Jon Patricof, CEO and Co-Founder of Athletes Unlimited. “It’s a testament to our amazing team and the support of our investors, business partners and fans, and most of all the incredible athletes who make Athletes Unlimited so special.” 

“At Nike there is nothing more inspiring than seeing the incredible momentum in women’s sports,” said Becca Kerr, Nike VP and GM of North America Women’s. “Our partnership with Athletes Unlimited creates more opportunities for women athletes at all levels, serving the future of athletes and sport. We’re a brand of action, and we’re backing belief in women’s sports with real investments like this one. We want to be the biggest champion of women athletes, helping to inspire the future generation of athletes.”

Season Two of Athletes Unlimited Basketball continues through March 25, with select games available on CBS Sports Network, WNBA League Pass, the Women’s Sports Network and Bally Sports regional sports networks. Later this month, Athletes Unlimited will also launch the Athletes Unlimited Volleyball Exhibition Tour, which will feature a team of its professional athletes traveling across the U.S. to play a series of exhibition matches against top college programs, while promoting the sport at a grassroots level and previewing the fall championship season.