Nike Releases Mary Earps Replica Jersey

 Nike Releases Mary Earps Replica Jersey

Nike Releases Mary Earps Replica Jersey(Image-Getty)

Nike has responded to widespread criticism by releasing a replica jersey for England goalkeeper Mary Earps. In an Instagram post, Earps expressed her surprise at the jerseys going on sale but thanked her followers for their support. The jerseys quickly sold out on the day of their release, although Nike did not confirm the number sold. These jerseys are currently not available on Nike's website or the England Football Association's website.

Nike did state that more jerseys would be available later in the season. This move comes after Nike faced backlash for not offering replicas of Earps' jersey during the Women's World Cup, where she received the FIFA Golden Glove award and was named England Women's Player of the Year.

Over 170,000 people signed a Change.org petition urging Nike to sell jerseys for Earps and other women goalkeepers. Interestingly, the England men's goalkeeper jersey was available for purchase on Nike's website.

On August 24, Nike announced its decision to make women's team goalkeeper kits available to fans, including those for England, the U.S., France, and the Netherlands. However, it did not explain the timing of the release for Earps' jersey in October.

Nike had produced 13 of the 32 team jerseys for the Women's World Cup, and the England kits became a significant source of revenue following the early exit of the U.S. team, which Nike had sponsored since 1995. Sports sponsorship is a crucial sales driver for apparel manufacturers, and Nike reported strong growth in its global football category in the quarter ending August 31, which included the 2023 tournament.