Huge NWSL Sponsorship Alert: Kevin Durant’s Gotham FC Secures Major Deal With $12.47 Billion Auto Retailers

Gotham FC kick-starts their NWSL season on March 24, after coming fresh off a maiden title triumph in the 2023 season. But the reigning champions have surprised fans before beginning their title defense. Gotham FC debuted their revamped 2024 away kit in the semi-final of the Women’s Cup against Deportivo Cali. The Kevin Durant-backed side no longer wears the name of their former partner Algorand on their jerseys. One of America’s largest used car retailers has taken up Algorand’s space instead, after inking a new deal with the NY/NJ- based side.

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Used car retailing giant CarMax signed a multi-year deal with Gotham FC to be their jersey-front, marquee sponsor, and official automotive retailer. “CarMax is proud to build on our partnership with Gotham FC through initiatives that reflect our shared values to elevate, support, and increase the exposure of these incredible athletes in women’s sports both on and off the field,” CarMax chief marketing officer Sarah Lane said in a press release, as compiled by Auto Remarketing. As per the partnership, CarMax will be the soccer club’s presenting partner for the regular season and the Player of the Match award.

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Besides, the auto retailer will sponsor on-the-spot seat upgrades and in-game fan experiences for Gotham FC’s ticket holders. The car retailer and the NWSL side, along with WNBA’s New York Liberty, partnered earlier for the ‘Pass the Torch’ initiative aimed at women’s empowerment. “The increased investment will help Gotham FC further engage the community in meaningful ways and provide greater access to the sport and to our matches,” said Gotham FC’s Senior Vice President for partnerships, Nan Vogel.

The deal will indeed give the NY/NJ-based club a financial boost, as CarMax’s market cap value stands at around $12.47 billion, as of March 2024. Well, the auto retailer is not the only financial backing for the reigning champions. Let’s look at the big shots that form the club’s ownership group.

Gotham FC’s influential ownership groupSince its founding in 2006, Gotham FC has been bringing together politicians, business executives, and a bunch of sporting icons to hold its reins. New Jersey Governor Philip Murphy and his wife Tammy Murphy have stakes in the NWSL club. Business Executive Steven Tamares has also bought a stake in the club.

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Besides them, legendary New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning has also invested in Gotham FC. The NY/NJ-based soccer project has also lured in WNBA legends Sue Bird and Karen Bryant as part-owners of the club.

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In 2022, Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman announced a minority investment in Gotham FC investment firm 35V. Now, CarMax’s multi-year partnership will further ensure the 2023 NWSL champions’ northward journey, in addition to the backing from its superstar investors.

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Gotham FC will debut their CarMax-emblazoned home jersey in the NWSL Challenge Cup final against San Diego Wave FC.