Washington Spirit and CVS Health Renew Partnership in Landmark Deal for NWSL
The Washington Spirit and CVS Health have announced a significant three-year partnership renewal, solidifying their commitment to women’s sports and community health. This deal, described by the club as one of the most valuable in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), underscores the growing prominence and commercial viability of women’s soccer in the United States.
While the specific financial terms of the agreement remain undisclosed, the partnership represents a multimillion-dollar investment in the Washington Spirit and women’s sports initiatives. As a key component of the agreement, the CVS Health logo will continue to adorn the Washington Spirit’s home and away uniforms, a visible symbol of the collaboration between the two organizations.
The announcement of this renewed partnership comes at an exciting time for the Washington Spirit, preceding their first home game of the 2025 NWSL season against the Kansas City Current. The match, scheduled for Saturday, marks a highly anticipated moment for fans and players alike, building on the team’s recent successes and aspirations for future championships.
Michele Kang, the owner of the Washington Spirit, emphasized the broader significance of the partnership, highlighting its role in validating the trajectory of the team, the league, and women’s sports as a whole. She noted that the commitment from influential national brands like CVS Health serves as a testament to the increasing relevance of women’s soccer in both the business world and American culture.
CVS Health’s involvement with the Washington Spirit dates back to 2020, when the company first became a kit sponsor. The renewed partnership builds upon this existing relationship, deepening the commitment to supporting the team and its mission. The Washington Spirit’s new 2025 kit, dubbed "Shockwave," further symbolizes this forward momentum, featuring two new shades of green added to the team’s signature neon yellow, designed by Nike.
Beyond the visibility on the field, the partnership extends to community-focused initiatives. CVS Health has committed to supporting programs that empower women and improve community health, aligning with the company’s broader mission of promoting well-being and healthy lifestyles. This commitment will be further highlighted through a "CVS Health Day" at the stadium in October, featuring health-related initiatives and programming with a particular focus on women’s health.
Melissa Schulman, senior vice president of government and public affairs for CVS Health, conveyed the company’s enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing its alignment with CVS Health’s goals and values. Rather than focusing solely on the return on investment from jersey visibility, Schulman highlighted the company’s perspective of the partnership as a long-term investment in a growing sport with the potential to deliver significant benefits.
Schulman explained that CVS Health entered the partnership with a clear understanding of the potential for growth and impact, viewing it as a strategic alignment with the company’s goals of helping adults and children make healthy choices. She also emphasized the intuitive fit between CVS Health’s mission and the values represented by the Washington Spirit and women’s sports.
The partnership also includes ongoing recognition of the Washington Spirit’s stadium and operations teams, along with local CVS store employees. This element highlights the commitment to supporting the individuals who contribute to the success of both organizations. Additionally, one stadium employee will be honored for their commitment and customer service during a ceremony before each home game, further demonstrating the partnership’s dedication to recognizing and celebrating the people behind the scenes.
To further amplify the partnership and its message, the Washington Spirit’s stadium, Audi Field, will feature player panels with CVS branding both inside and outside the venue. In-game Field LEDs will also display the CVS Health logo and tagline message, "Healthier Happens Together," reinforcing the shared commitment to health and well-being.
Kim Stone, CEO of the Washington Spirit, underscored the community-focused foundation of the partnership, emphasizing its potential to set a new standard for collaboration within women’s sports. Stone highlighted the shared vision between the Washington Spirit and CVS Health, emphasizing the commitment to creating a lasting impact both on and off the field.
The renewed partnership between the Washington Spirit and CVS Health signifies a significant milestone for women’s soccer. It showcases the increasing commercial viability of the sport and the growing recognition of its cultural impact. The collaboration between a leading professional sports team and a major national brand serves as a model for future partnerships in women’s sports, demonstrating the potential for mutual benefit and positive social impact.
This partnership is poised to elevate the Washington Spirit, bolster women’s sports, and promote community health. It represents a significant step forward for the NWSL and serves as an inspiring example of the power of sports to drive positive change. As the Washington Spirit embarks on the 2025 season, the renewed partnership with CVS Health promises to be a driving force behind the team’s continued success and its commitment to empowering women and strengthening communities.
