The National Women’s Soccer League announced today that Nationwide has joined the NWSL as an official partner, becoming the latest in a burgeoning list of national sponsors dedicated to growing the women’s game and increasing the NWSL’s footprint among North American sports leagues. The deal makes Nationwide the league’s first exclusive insurance partner. In addition, Nationwide and the NWSL will work together to highlight and expand the NWSL’s community initiatives, including those of its players and fans.

“We are excited to embark on this partnership with Nationwide, a powerful brand with a long history in engaging sports fans,” said NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird. “The NWSL and Nationwide are committed to the growth of this sport, investing in our athletes and creating a platform where we can make a difference in NWSL communities together.”

As part of the multiyear partnership, Nationwide plans to work with NWSL athletes and all league cities. Within those markets are thousands of Nationwide insurance and financial professionals, and millions of Nationwide customers, who will help in driving interest in the sport and service in the community. Initiatives will include an annual service and grant project highlighting local community programs in all NWSL markets. Additionally, Nationwide and the NWSL will launch an inaugural community impact award to be presented at an annual postseason awards ceremony where a NWSL team will be recognized for its exemplary service in the community.

“Nationwide is proud to partner with this dynamic and diverse league that is growing in so many ways,” said Ramon Jones, Nationwide’s chief marketing officer. “By working with player ambassadors from each team and launching the community impact award, we’re eager to use Nationwide’s resources to showcase how the top women’s soccer players in the world excel on and off the pitch.”

The NWSL opens its 2021 season with the NWSL Challenge Cup, presented by Secret Deodorant, on April 9 with a rematch of the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup final between Chicago and Houston. The game will air live on CBS Sports Network, followed by Kansas City’s inaugural match since joining the NWSL in December 2020 against Portland Thorns FC at 10:30 p.m. EST on Paramount+, the premium streaming service from ViacomCBS.