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Nike Partners with RAJ Sports to Expand Girls’ Access to Athletics

Prime Highlights

  • Nike and RAJ Sports announce a multiyear partnership to grow women’s sports, unveiled at Epicenter Week.
  • Partnership will expand youth sports access in Portland through clinics, camps and free Nike product, especially for girls.

Key Facts

  • Nike will also provide staff expertise at the new training facility for the Portland Fire and Portland Thorns.
  • Financial terms and the length of the commitment were not disclosed.

Background

Nike and RAJ Sports announced a multiyear partnership on Thursday aimed at growing women’s sports, with a focus on expanding opportunities for girls in Portland.

The partnership will bring clinics, camps and free Nike gear to young athletes, alongside Nike’s support at the new training facility for the Portland Fire and Portland Thorns, helping players prepare, compete and recover at every stage of their athletic journey.

“Our partnership will be centered on a few pillars, one of which will be us partnering with RAJ to lend our expertise in sports and performance innovation,” said Melanie Auguste, Nike’s global vice president of sports marketing.

The announcement came at the opening of Epicenter Week, an event often called the “Davos of women’s sports,” now in its second year. RAJ Sports produces the gathering, while Nike serves as the presenting sponsor. RAJ Sports owns both the Fire and the Thorns, giving the partnership a direct link to Portland’s professional teams.

Portland has emerged as a key center for the sport’s growing popularity, drawing attention from athletes, investors and league officials alike. RAJ Sports co-owner Lisa Bhathal Merage said the moment calls for real commitment, investment and action, not just conversation, adding that RAJ and Nike share a belief in what this moment represents for women’s athletics.

About 270 attendees, including sports business executives, league commissioners, investors and athletes, welcomed the news at an event held at Nike’s world headquarters.

Voice in Sport founder and former Nike vice president Stef Strack said the collaboration could help extend the momentum seen in professional sports down to the grassroots level, giving young girls greater access and support as they grow in the game. Other events during Epicenter Week include the grand opening of the Thorns and Fire’s new training facility.