Nike has come under fire recently for not making the replica jersey of England goalkeeper Mary Earps available for purchase. The company faced widespread criticism but has since released the jersey, albeit in limited quantities. The controversy has sparked a debate about gender equality in sports merchandise and the role of sports sponsorship in driving sales.
Earps, who was one of the standout stars of the Women’s World Cup, expressed her disappointment when replicas of her jersey were not made available during the competition. Fans joined her in protesting this decision, with over 170,000 people signing a petition urging Nike to sell jerseys for Earps and other women goalkeepers. The England men’s goalkeeper jersey, on the other hand, was readily available for purchase on Nike’s website.
Delayed Release and Limited Availability
Following the public outcry, Nike announced that it would release limited quantities of goalkeeper jerseys for England and other women’s teams. It, however, did not provide a reason for the delay in releasing Earps’ jersey. The replica jersey was finally made available in October, but it quickly sold out on the same day. Unfortunately, it is currently not listed for sale on Nike’s website or the England Football Association’s website.
Sports Sponsorship and Revenue Loss
Nike’s decision to produce replicas of women’s team jerseys stems from the revenue potential and impact of sports sponsorship. The company had a major loss in earnings potential as the U.S. team, which Nike has sponsored since 1995, experienced their earliest exit ever in the Women’s World Cup. The England kits, therefore, presented an opportunity to recoup some of those losses. Nike has mentioned that it will be making more jerseys available later in the season, indicating that they recognize the demand and sales potential.
The Debate on Gender Equality
The controversy surrounding the release of Mary Earps’ replica jersey highlights the ongoing struggle for gender equality in sports merchandise. Women’s jerseys and merchandise are often overlooked or given less priority compared to their male counterparts. This disparity not only reinforces gender stereotypes but also sends a message that women’s sports are less significant, ultimately affecting the visibility and growth of women’s sports.
The delayed availability and limited quantities of Mary Earps’ replica jersey have disappointed fans and supporters who wanted to show their support for the talented goalkeeper. The demand for jerseys and merchandise of women athletes is significant, as evidenced by the overwhelming response to the petition. It is essential for apparel manufacturers like Nike to recognize this demand and ensure equal representation and availability for both male and female athletes.
Nike’s decision to release Mary Earps’ replica jersey after facing backlash is a step in the right direction. However, the limited availability and delayed release raise questions about the company’s commitment to gender equality in sports merchandise. It is crucial for apparel manufacturers to recognize the importance of equal representation and availability to promote the growth and visibility of women’s sports. The controversy surrounding the release of Mary Earps’ jersey serves as a reminder that there is still work to be done in achieving gender equality in the sports industry.
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