Mastercard expands its support of women’s soccer with National Women’s Soccer League players association partnership
March 8, 2022Mastercard is doubling down on its commitment to women in sport and strengthening its NWSL sponsorship by joining the NWSLPA as an official partner. The multi-year alliance will provide the players with additional resources and tools, designed to empower them as momentum continues for women’s sports. The announcement was made on the first day of the SIGA (Sport Integrity Global Alliance) Summit on Female Leadership in Sport, presented by Mastercard and coinciding with International Women’s Day. It also follows the completion of the NWSLPA’s first-ever collective bargaining agreement (CBA), and the start to the 2022 season, scheduled later this month.
“We strive to ensure that women have a seat at every table,” said Raja Rajamannar, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of Mastercard. “Gender equality is an issue that demands action and our alliance with the Players Association advances that pledge. We’re proud to deepen our support of women’s soccer and are looking forward to an outstanding season for these passionate, emboldened players and the growing fan base.”
“Our combined values and intention to elevating women in sport couldn’t be more aligned,” said Meghann Burke, executive director of the NWSLPA. “Mastercard’s impactful support helps accelerate the vitalization of our players and the magnification of the league as we broaden the appeal of women’s soccer.”
The inaugural NWSLPA partnership extends Mastercard’s multi-year sponsorship of the NWSL and is part of its larger campaign to champion gender equality and inclusion. Over the past decade, the company has built one of the most well-rounded women’s sports portfolios globally with significant investment in female athletes, teams, and competitions. This includes partnerships across tennis, golf, football, and rugby, as well as sponsoring players, teams, and events, such as Naomi Osaka, Kadeisha Buchanan, Pernille Harder, Ada Hegerberg, Sam Kerr, Saki Kumagai, Wendie Renard, Alex Scott, Brooke Henderson, Annika Sorenstam, Chanel Alberts, Piwokuhle Nyanda, Arsenal W.F.C., CBF Women’s team, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, Copa America Women, The Australian Open and The AIG Women’s Open, among others.
In addition to its focus on women in sport, Mastercard is building the next generation of women by working with other organizations, including the 30% Club; the Financial Alliance for Women; UN Women; Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance; and USAID on behalf of our Girls4Tech commitment to educate one million girls in technology, cybersecurity, and AI by 2025.
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About NWSLPA
The NWSL Players Association is the labor union that represents Players in the National Women’s Soccer League. It was founded in May of 2017 and represents all Players who are employed by and sign Standard Player Agreements with the NWSL.
About Mastercard (NYSE: MA)
Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their greatest potential. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, we are building a sustainable world that unlocks priceless possibilities for all.
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