B_Doughtie wrote:
I didn’t make comments to suggest I do know her contract, you did lol.
You are the one that said she has been a losing proposition for Nike. I simply said from the start to you, to make a more accurate statement is she hasn’t performed, but that doesn’t mean it’s a losing proposition based on other factors. That was my logical conclusion that you keep coming back with some ”performance” only metric.
in
Your comparing her to Ashley Horner? You should compare her to her own squad mates, that’s a more likely logical assessment.
Yes, that is my opinion. I reached out to someone who doesn't know her specific contract but who is very familiar with Nike contracts and Nike sponsored olympians. The majority of running contracts are annual and run from January through December. In the case of Gwen who negotiated after her olympic Gold, it is highly probable that she was given a multi-year contract that runs through end of year 2020. Contracts typically include bonuses for making the olympic team and more for medaling, but if Nike is not getting a return on their investment then they will cut the athlete. So the prediction from someone close to the company is this: if she doesn't make the team she's gone at the end of her contract, most likely the end of 2020 (unless perhaps she fails to make the team but pops a great marathon next fall). If she makes the team even if she doesn't medal, then they are likely to keep her, but upon contract renewal would probably convert to an annual basis with renewals contingent on progress towards the marathon. That is still speculation, but I would consider it a highly informed opinion.
In the final analysis, Nike is all about the bottom line. For most of their contracts, that means performance. They will pay for social media influence but I don't see any evidence that she brings much to the table on that front. Her current contract was based on her Gold medal and the hope that she could produce as a runner. To that effect, sticking with the marathon for 2020 would have been a certain path to no contract renewal. She wisely switched targets and at least now has a chance to continue with Nike. It's up to her, but my opinion remains that she must perform or they will dump her at the end of whatever contract she has.
Of course there are differing opinions of what the future will bring for Gwen. But if athletic performance is not at the top of the list, I don't think her future will be with Nike.