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. The Nike Collective was formed to ensure that both Serena Williams, WNBA superstar, and Ionescu are the two in question. Moreover, having female athletes in the company's discussions is crucial for the growth of Nike as a brand and sport as a whole.
13 of Nike’s top sponsored athletes have been pregnant
Thirteen of Nike’s top female athletes have either given birth or are in the process of giving birth. This trend of athletes becoming pregnant is especially troubling for women who have devoted their lives to their 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 new pregnancy policy protects them for 18 months from any pay cut
Pay cuts are often criticized for women in sport, including the Olympic team. Nike has taken the initiative and protected female athletes from such cuts. Nike executives wrote to female athletes to say that they hadn't adequately considered pregnancy in their sponsorship agreements. However, they have since added protection language for pregnant athletes to their contracts. Felix explains the reasons why Nike has changed its policy.
Allyson Felix
A few years ago, Allyson Felix was involved in a dispute with Nike over maternity rights. She claimed that Nike's approach to maternity rights was disrespectful and tone-deaf. Nike eventually agreed to make some changes, including not penalizing Felix during pregnancy and postpartum. However, this is a terrible situation for all involved. Felix has signed an agreement with Athleta to address the new situation.
Alyssia Montano's pregnancy
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 explained that Nike and U.S. Olympic Committee pressured her to get back to her former athletic form quickly. She left Nike after her first pregnancy and signed with Asics, where she was able to continue competing and compete without 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 negotiating with Nike over her maternity protections. She said that she was unaware she was pregnant when Nike asked to feature her in an ad about female empowerment. Her contract with the firm expired in December and she was asked for a 70% cut in her pay to keep the company. She also requested certain maternity protections such as the freedom to choose her own doctor. Nike refused. The ad caused a bigger debate about the rights to female athletes.