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. These two women are Serena Williams, WNBA star Sabrina Ionescu and tennis legend Serena Williams. The Nike Collective was created to ensure that female athletes were included in the company's decisions. For the success of Nike as a brand, and for the growth in sport overall, it is important to have female athletes participate in company discussions.
13 of Nike's most prominent sponsored athletes are now pregnant
Thirteen of Nike's top female sponsored athletes are either pregnant or have already given birth. Women who have dedicated their lives to their sport are particularly concerned by the trend of athletes becoming pregnant. It is particularly troubling that athletes are not supported during pregnancy. Nike's policy regarding maternity leaves athletes feeling vulnerable. Many of them have spoken out about the problem and asked for protection from punishment after childbirth.
Nike's new policy regarding pregnancy protects them against pay cuts for 18 months.
It is often said that women in sports including the Olympic teams are subject to pay cuts. Nike has taken the initiative and protected female athletes from such cuts. Nike executives sent a note to female athletes explaining that they had not properly considered pregnancy in sponsorship agreements. But that they now have pregnancy protection language in the contracts. Felix explains why Nike decided to change its policy.
Allyson Felix
A few years ago, Allyson Felix was involved in a dispute with Nike over maternity rights. She claimed Nike's approach was disrespectful and tone deaf. Nike made changes and did not penalize Felix for poor performance in pregnancy or after birth. This is unfortunate for all. Felix has signed an agreement with Athleta to address the new situation.
Alyssia Montano's pregnancy
Alyssia Montano has made headlines as a pregnant Olympic athlete. Mexican-born Montano, who was pregnant with her first child, competed at the women's race in 2014. She was pregnant, which caused the company to reduce her pay retroactively. According to her, she was under intense pressure from Nike as well as the U.S. Olympic Committee to get back to her best athletic form. After her first pregnancy, she quit Nike and signed for Asics. There, she could continue to compete and receive no pay cuts. The company feared that if she did not return to her previous level, it could endanger her future sponsorships.
Allyson Felix's reaction on the nike advertisement
Allyson Felix is currently in negotiations with Nike regarding her maternity protections. According to Allyson Felix, when Nike asked for her to appear in an advertisement about female empowerment she did not know that 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 sparked more debate about the rights and responsibilities of female athletes.