MLS side Columbus Crew SC has confirmed that insurance and financial services company Nationwide will be the club’s new shirt sponsor.
The multi-year agreement will see the insurance brand’s logo shown prominently on all shirts throughout the 2021 season. However, for this season the company has decided to use Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s branding in all of the clubs competitions.
Nationwide replaces Columbus’ previous sponsor Acura, a partnership that lasted three seasons.
Columbus Crew’s executive vice president and chief business officer Steve Lyons stated: “We are thrilled to announce this partnership with Nationwide and take great pride in the unique opportunity to highlight Nationwide Children’s Hospital on our jerseys in 2020,
“We know that Nationwide Children’s hospital is a tremendous resource in our community and is synonymous with so much that is good in Columbus, especially their work to address pediatric behavioral health. We look forward to the special 2020 kits and are excited that our Crew jerseys will then feature the iconic Nationwide logo in 2021 and beyond.”
Nationwide Children’s Hospital is America’s second-largest children’s hospital, with more than 1.5 million patients seen annually. The kits bearing the logo will officially debut in Columbus’ season opener against New York City FC on March 1.
The news follows Columbus’ recent partnership with OhioHealth, in which the local healthcare provider gained naming rights to the side’s new training facility and become a top-tier partner. OhioHealth will also continue to be the club’s official healthcare provider.
Insider Insight: Nationwide’s sponsorship will be a huge financial boost to Columbus Crew, as the club nearly went into its season opener without a kit sponsor. On the other hand, with MLS starting this week many companies will be wanting to secure last minute deals in order to secure 2020 season sponsorships.
