“Nike is a global brand that resonates locally, who shares our views and similar core values as it relates to social justice, equity and diversity,” explains Chicago House AC Managing Partner, President & CEO Peter Wilt. “Nike will supply the best possible equipment and gear for our players and staff, along with access to quality merchandise and leisure wear for our fans. We see our partnership as a good fit on all fronts.”
As a Public Benefit Corporation (P.B.C), Chicago House AC is committed to grassroots engagement across Chicagoland’s diverse landscape of vibrant communities. This includes working with appropriate amateur sports teams, non-profits, community organizations and international groups to develop relationships that will mutually benefit the club and its community partners.
Nike’s similar approach in their business and public stance on social justice, equality, and drive for sustainability makes them an excellent partner during the club’s developmental stages and beyond. The Beaverton, Oregon-headquartered corporation recently announced a $40 million commitment over the next four years to support the Black community in the U.S., on behalf of the Nike, Jordan and Converse brands collectively. Michael Jordan and Jordan Brand will also donate $100 million over the next 10 years to organizations dedicated to ensuring racial equality, social justice and greater access to education.
Chicago House AC aims to have a deeply positive impact on underserved neighborhoods through initiatives that provide opportunities for educational programming, mentorship and safe places to play soccer and futsal for children in the city. The club will also work inclusively with organizations to improve social justice, racial equality, diversity and community improvement. The club is committing 10% of annual corporate partnership revenue and Nike jersey revenue to be donated to non-profit and community-based organizations and fan directed initiatives.
To celebrate the partnership, Nike will collaborate with Chicago House AC on the creation of a limited edition, collectible kit design that will only be available during Chicago’s inaugural season this Fall. More information on the release of this kit is forthcoming.
As the club’s official equipment and merchandise provider, Nike will supply Chicago House AC with the latest high-performance on-field team wear, along with an impressive range of cutting-edge fanwear for the club’s growing base of fans. The initial Nike House merchandise launch is slated for later this month, when the 2021 line will become available on the Chicago House AC website at www.chicagohouseac.com.
“We’re excited to be partnering with the Nike brand and their world-renowned, top-notch product,” says Chicago House AC Head Coach & Technical Director, C.J. Brown, who became more familiar with the brand’s capabilities during his time with Nike Soccer partner, US Soccer. “I know our staff and team will be thrilled at the quality of the product and equipment Nike Soccer will be supplying. We can’t wait to get into the gear as we prepare our new squad for our debut season in NISA!”
In addition to the partnership with Nike, Chicago House AC has also partnered with industry-leading sports merchandise distributor, WeGotSoccer, and local Chicago distributor Soccer 2000, to ensure a continual line of unique House branded Nike products will be available for fans to purchase online and during House home matches at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview in the Fall.