LTA hands Nike expanded role

British tennis’ governing body, the Lawn Tennis Association, has announced an enhanced four-year extension to its commercial partnership with sportswear giant Nike, a move that was first revealed by Sports Sponsorship Insider in July.

Under the deal, which is effective from January 2014, Nike’s designation will move from official supplier to an official partner of British tennis.

The expanded terms mean Nike will assume the title sponsorship of a number of leading junior tournaments including the LTA-staged International Tennis Federation Junior Internationals, the British Junior National Championships and the Winter National Tour Finals.

The LTA will continue to oversee the delivery of the Nike Junior Tour in the UK.

Nike, which initially joined the LTA’s commercial programme in 2009, will also provide clothing and footwear to all LTA performance coaching staff as well as kitting senior and junior Great Britain national teams at events including the Davis Cup and Fed Cup.