London City Lionesses announce record Nike shirt sponsorship

London City Lionesses owner Michele Kang says the club has agreed the largest front-of-shirt sponsorship deal in the women's game for an independent women's team. BBC Sport reported that the agreement with Nike is worth more than comparable deals held by some Premier League clubs, although the report did not disclose an exact value for the London City contract.

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Kang told BBC Sport that the deal exceeds the reported value of the agreement secured by Atlanta's incoming National Women's Soccer League franchise. Atlanta, which is due to enter the NWSL in 2028, is believed to have a shirt deal worth about $4 million, or £2.96 million. BBC Sport said that figure is similar to sponsorship levels for newly promoted Premier League teams and higher than those of most Championship clubs.

The record claim has a specific scope. London City are the only fully independent women's club in England's top flight, while every other Women's Super League team shares its shirt sponsor with an affiliated men's side. Kang described the Nike agreement as the largest women-only front-of-shirt deal and said it is above the Atlanta figure.

The sponsorship follows a major summer of recruitment for London City. The club signed two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas and Spain defender Mapi Leon from Barcelona, former England goalkeeper Mary Earps, and Lyon winger Kadidiatou Diani, according to BBC Sport. Those arrivals have added established international experience before the new league campaign.

Kang bought London City in 2023 and has invested heavily in the club. The Lionesses reached the Women's Super League and finished sixth in the division last season. Kang also owns OL Lyonnes in France and the Washington Spirit in the United States, placing London City within her wider portfolio of women's football clubs.

The Nike arrangement also includes community activity and support for research and development focused on female athletes. London City begin their WSL season at home to Manchester United on Friday at 19:00 BST. BBC Sport reported that more than 5,400 tickets have been sold, producing a capacity crowd at the Copperjax Community Stadium in Bromley.