Nike deal leaves USA Track & Field praying for Chicago Olympics

29 June 2009 | Posted in Sponsorship, Athletics | By Adam Fraser

USA Track & Field have secured a US$10 million contract with Nike until 2013, and will see it extended and increased if Chicago hosts the 2016 Olympic Games.

That promise has made USATF chief executive Doug Logan an even more ardent supporter of Chicago's bid. "I'm more than cheering. I'm actively advocating it," he said. The International Olympic Committee will announce the hosts of the 2016 Games in October. US president Barack Obama's support for Chicago makes it a strong candidate in a race regarded by pundits as too close to call with Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo and Madrid.

Even before the IOC makes its decision though, USATF is believed to have secured itself a significant increase in the money it earns from Nike. Nike, which outfits all USATF teams in international competitions, has been a USA team sponsor since 1991.

The USATF is the governing body for all track and field, long-distance running and race walking in the United States.