As of writing, 13 of 13 top female athletes sponsored by Nike were pregnant. This is despite their new policy which protects them against any reductions in pay for the 18-months preceding and subsequent to their pregnancy. The Nike Collective was started to ensure that female athletes could be involved in company decision making. 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 the top Nike sponsored athletes are currently pregnant
Thirteen of Nike’s top female athletes have either given birth or are in the process of giving 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 these women have spoken out against the problem and requested protection from punishment after childbirth.
Nike's new Pregnancy Policy protects them from any reductions in pay for 18-months of pregnancy
The pay cuts that women receive in sports (including the Olympic team) are often blamed. 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 why Nike made changes to its policy.
Allyson Felix
Allyson Felix was involved a dispute with Nike about maternity rights a few decades ago. She claimed that Nike's approach to maternity rights was disrespectful and tone-deaf. Nike ultimately agreed to make changes. They also promised not to penalize Felix for poor performance postpartum. This is unfortunate for all. Felix has now signed a new contract at Athleta, in light of the current situation.
Alyssia Monteano's pregnancy
Alyssia Monteno, a pregnant Olympic athlete, has been in the news. Mexican-born Montano, who was pregnant with her first child, competed at the women's race in 2014. Her pregnancy was a big deal for her, and the company cut 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. 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 worried that she might not return to the same level as before, which could put her at risk for future sponsorships.
Allyson Felix reacts to the nike ad
Allyson Felix currently negotiates with Nike about 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 has sparked more debate about the rights and responsibilities of female athletes.