How IABA’s Bold New Nike Partnership Could Rewrite the Rules of Sports Business Forever
What happens when Ireland’s boxing legends lace up with the iconic Nike swoosh? A game-changer, that’s what. The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) just inked a multi-year deal that’ll have their top-tier athletes stepping into the ring—and onto the podium—decked out in Nike gear all the way through to the LA 2028 Olympics. This isn’t just about looking sharp; it’s about cranking the commercial profile of Irish boxing to a level we’ve never seen before, locally and worldwide. Given boxing’s crown as Team Ireland’s most successful Olympic sport, and Team NI’s recent dominance at the Commonwealth Games, this partnership couldn’t come at a better time—kicking off at the 2025 World Boxing Championships in Liverpool. It’s bold, it’s strategic, and frankly, it’s the kind of move that makes you wonder—how far could sport’s slickest branding push a proud national tradition? Hold onto your gloves, ’cause this collaboration might just be the disruption Irish boxing—and the sport globally—needed. LEARN MORE
The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) has announced what it has described as ‘a game-changing’ multi-year partnership with global giant Nike.
Under the deal, IABA international boxers will wear the iconic Nike swoosh, in the ring and on the podium, up to the LA 2028 Olympics.
IABA said the deal will raise ‘the commercial profile of boxing, at home and worldwide’.
Boxing is Team Ireland’s most successful Olympic sport, and TeamNI topped the medals table at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The 2025 World Boxing Championships in Liverpool, September 4th to 14th, will debut the IABA-Nike partnership.
Gary Stewart, IABA’s CEO, said: “This exciting partnership, with a true global brand icon, really demonstrates the world-class reputation of our athletes.
“That our Nike partnership has its first outing during our World Boxing Championships is perfect timing.
He added, “This is an unprecedented partnership for the IABA, and speaks to our new direction in terms of brand, identity, and commercial relationships.
“The 2026 athleisure apparel will have retail availability over the coming months, deepening existing markets for boxing wear, and widening visibility for the IABA and Nike Boxing both in Ireland and globally.”
Eddie Brown, President of Athlete Performance Solutions, said, “Opportunities like this do not come around very often.
“The historic legacy and the bright future of Irish Boxing makes this an incredibly exciting relationship for Nike Boxing.
“We are thrilled to outfit these phenomenal athletes with premium performance footwear and apparel as they pursue world and Olympic podiums.”
Aoife O’Rourke, Team Co-Captain, said: “Being comfortable in what you wear and how it looks helps performance massively.
“It’s important to know you’re at the top of your game when stepping into the ring, and having a top-class kit contributes to that – Nike is the best boxing kit in the world.”
Top pic: Gavin Rafferty poses for a portrait wearing the new Nike gear during an IABA World Boxing Championships photoshoot at the National Sports Campus in Dublin
Photos by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
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