NC Courage unveils jersey sponsors for inaugural season

As the NC Courage prepare to start their inaugural season on April 15 against the Washington Spirit, their kit sponsor was announced today. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina will be the sponsor for the front of the jersey while Continental Tire will have a sponsorship on the back. Blue Cross will also continue their partnership with NASL club North Carolina FC.

Company Director of Brand Strategy and Integrated Marketing Reagan Greene Pruitt said, “In the coming months, we’ll be announcing opportunities for girls to come out and meet some US Women’s National Team superstars and players from the North Carolina Courage, the Triangle’s only professional women’s team in any sport. In the meantime, we look forward to working with the Triangle’s pro soccer athletes to serve as ambassadors for teamwork, community leadership and more active lifestyles.”

This season Continental Tire, which is an official partner with Major League Soccer, will expand their affiliation with NCFC and establish a new one with the NC Courage as a jersey sponsor for both teams. Travis Roffler, director of marketing for Continental Tire said, “We’re proud to add the North Carolina FC men’s and women’s teams to our robust soccer platform.” He went on to mention the overall popularity of the sport and that he hopes Continental Tire will continue to grow along with it saying, “The growth of soccer in the U.S. has been phenomenal and we’re pleased to continue growing our program with the addition of a professional club right in our own backyard.”

The sponsorship comes after the NWSL announced a major media partnership with A+E Networks to nationally televise 20 games this season. Attracting national and regional sponsors is key for the growth of the league as it beings its fifth season.