Global payments firm Visa has been announced as a Founding Partner of the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) newest club, Bay FC.
Visa will also become Bay FC’s official Payment Services Partner, with its logo appearing on the right sleeve of the team’s jerseys.
Core to the partnership will be financial investment in local youth and Bay FC current players, placing an emphasis on financial equity, leadership and education, and improving communities throughout the Bay Area.
Bay FC Chief Executive Officer, Brady Stewart, said: “Visa continues to be a champion for gender equity, and their approach and investment in Bay FC in this game changing partnership will help our current and future players succeed on and off the pitch for the years ahead.
“Innovative partnerships like this are how we will continue to build towards our goal of being a top global sports franchise.”
Bay FC and Visa have a shared commitment to invest in player services and support to help level the playing field for female athletes. This will come to life through an approach to partnership with direct financial impact to support equity across three areas.
The first area aims to increase opportunities and benefits for the current Bay FC players; the second being a focus on developing youth players in the Bay Area; and the third, supporting programs off the field, including ensuring current and future athletes and leaders have access to speakers, educational opportunities, leadership programs, and financial wellness programming throughout the season.
Mary Ann Reilly, Chief Marketing Officer of North America, Visa, added: “Our vision for this partnership is rooted in shared values and responsibilities – we know to influence change and impact equity, we need to invest differently, especially here in our own backyard.
“Through our three pillars of direct financial impact, we are honoured to support Bay FC’s players of today and tomorrow and hope they will feel proud to wear Visa on their sleeve.”
