Simon Biles leaves Nike to collaborate with the Gap Athleta brand

(Lorenzo de Nubila) – Four-time Olympic gold medalist in the United States Simon Biles It ends its partnership with US sportswear giant Nike to collaborate withAthleteGap, the women-focused sportswear brand.

The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but an official statement confirmed that the gymnastics star has entered into a long-term partnership with Athleta.

Biles, who also holds 19 world championships gold to her name, will work with the Athleta design team to develop exclusive products, including multi-capsule collaboration plans for the Athleta Girl.

The deal ends Biles’ six-year relationship with Nike, which the 24-year-old signed when she became a professional in 2016.

“Bills, who in 2020 was ranked 14th in SportsPro’s list of 50 most marketable athletes in the world, said the opportunity to encourage girls to reach their full potential and be a force for change is very strong. “I admire Athlita for her commitment to recognizing and supporting the individual and collective strength of women, and I believe we can help girls face the world with confidence and passion in their athletic endeavors and beyond.“.

Biles is not the first female athlete to move from Nike to Atlta. In 2019, US track and field runner Allison Felix joined the Gap-owned brand at a time when Nike was accused of failing to provide financial support for pregnant athletes.

Felix was among several Nike-related competitors who revealed that the brand had tried to force cuts to care payments due to pregnancy or early motherhood. Nike has since changed its pregnancy policy to protect athletes’ wages.

By partnering with Biles, Athleta joins a sponsorship portfolio that also includes Beats by Dre, Visa, and Caboodles.

“We are delighted to welcome Simon into the Athleta family and work together to further our mission of empowering women and girls,” added Mary Beth Laughton, Athleta President and CEO. “Simone believes in advocating for the next generation of athletes as much as we do, and we are confident that this partnership will continue to build a community with our customers and enrich our brand.”