Would elite track exist in the US without Nike?

[Dave]

I am not trying to debate good and evil with respect to Nike.

But, would elite track exist in the US without Nike? I live in Portland Oregon so I would expect my world view to be at least tainted, but without Nike paying their share of the bill, would it continue at least in the US?

Based on what I see and read, I don't believe it would. There is already so little money in the sport, I believe it would disappear altogether in the post collegiate US without them.

Let the debate begin if anyone is interested.

[TrackDaddy]

I'm not sure but Adidas has a very impressive group of athletes under contract and a meet that has top talent every year.

[jamaicantrackfan]

The Addidas meet has been more impressive in recent years versus the Nike PreClassic.

[Marlow]

The other shoe companies would fill in the void, albeit at an appreciably lower rate.

[bad hammy]

I'm not sure but Adidas has a very impressive group of athletes under contract and a meet that has top talent every year.

Two, including Reebok. But I don't think there is really much argument that Nike has been at the forefront of promoting US T&F for quite some time.

[Taliban]

Yes because Puma, Reebok, Mizuno, New Balance would find a larger place in the track arena. Adidas is already a Worldwide Brand.

[Run DMC]

Nike and Adidas are responsible for the lion's share of sponsorship of T&F athletes in the US and world wide. I certainly thank them for this as I enjoy watching great racing.

However, what these companies make on running shoes to what they spend on athletes is an astounding gap. Does Nike really make enough off collar "sport" shirts to justify paying Tiger Woods $20M/yr? Jeremy Warriner has been MORE dominant in a tougher sport with a seemingly bigger fan base over the past 4 years and makes less than a 20th of Tiger. I guess the mass appeal is just not there (especially in the US). However, I think that if Nike and Adidas got more involved in the promotion of the sport in the US, they might sell more shoes to average Joe runners. But then again, they probably know more than me about selling shoes.

[jamaicantrackfan]

Yes because Puma, Reebok, Mizuno, New Balance would find a larger place in the track arena. Adidas is already a Worldwide Brand.

PUMA has track's biggest star "Usain Bolt". It would be interesting if/when Bolt's contract is up and he is the fastest man around, if all the shoe companies will fight to get him offering millions of dollars in possible contract deals. If I was his agent, I would "shop" Usain around to the highest bidder then.

[Dave]

Nike and Adidas are responsible for the lion's share of sponsorship of T&F athletes in the US and world wide. I certainly thank them for this as I enjoy watching great racing.

However, what these companies make on running shoes to what they spend on athletes is an astounding gap. Does Nike really make enough off collar "sport" shirts to justify paying Tiger Woods $20M/yr? Jeremy Warriner has been MORE dominant in a tougher sport with a seemingly bigger fan base over the past 4 years and makes less than a 20th of Tiger. I guess the mass appeal is just not there (especially in the US). However, I think that if Nike and Adidas got more involved in the promotion of the sport in the US, they might sell more shoes to average Joe runners. But then again, they probably know more than me about selling shoes.

How many 30-65 year old guys run 400 meter races on weekends and how many play golf? I respect the hundreds of guys who run masters track, but that pales in comparison to the millions of people who play golf.

[Chris McCarthy]

Or, just as importantly, the millions who play golf who spend hundreds / thousands of £ / $ on their equipment.

[Taliban]

Nike and Adidas are responsible for the lion's share of sponsorship of T&F athletes in the US and world wide. I certainly thank them for this as I enjoy watching great racing.

However, what these companies make on running shoes to what they spend on athletes is an astounding gap. Does Nike really make enough off collar "sport" shirts to justify paying Tiger Woods $20M/yr? Jeremy Warriner has been MORE dominant in a tougher sport with a seemingly bigger fan base over the past 4 years and makes less than a 20th of Tiger. I guess the mass appeal is just not there (especially in the US). However, I think that if Nike and Adidas got more involved in the promotion of the sport in the US, they might sell more shoes to average Joe runners. But then again, they probably know more than me about selling shoes.

How many 30-65 year old guys run 400 meter races on weekends and how many play golf? I respect the hundreds of guys who run masters track, but that pales in comparison to the millions of people who play golf.

I hate to say but in America Track is an acquired taste. I can't believe Nascar and Golf has more fans than track...atleast golf is a recreational activity that anybody can participate in but Nascar.... I wouldn't mind spending a few years in Europe.

[gh]

The other shoe companies don't have the money to spend that Nike does. If they disappeared it would be an absolute disaster for the sport in the U.S.

Counting affiliations of people who competed in the OT last year (which means that people in two events get counted twice), Nike had 187 athletes (m92, w95).

adidas had 46 (20/26)
reebok (owned by adi) had 35 (18/17)

so "adidas" total is 81.... less than half of Nike. And Nike is also a monster presence on the roads, adidas not-so-much.

[Taliban]

The other shoe companies don't have the money to spend that Nike does. If they disappeared it would be an absolute disaster for the sport in the U.S.

Counting affiliations of people who competed in the OT last year (which means that people in two events get counted twice), Nike had 187 athletes (m92, w95).

adidas had 46 (20/26)
reebok (owned by adi) had 35 (18/17)

so "adidas" total is 81.... less than half of Nike. And Nike is also a monster presence on the roads, adidas not-so-much.

True but the removal of Nike would open up the Market and the other companies would benefit greatly.

NIke isn't going anywhere though.

[gh]

the other companies would only benefit if they have the money to spend on more athletes. I'm guessing they don't.

Nike's disappearance would mean that the medal-class people would continue to get support and dozens of the make-the-finals type of people would not.

[Taliban]

the other companies would only benefit if they have the money to spend on more athletes. I'm guessing they don't.

Nike's disappearance would mean that the medal-class people would continue to get support and dozens of the make-the-finals type of people would not.

When I say the Market will open up I mean they will be selling more products and gaining sponsorships so they will be making more more money.