BREAKING NEWS: USA Fencing Signs Record 10-Year Deal With Macron, Replaces Nike

USA Fencing and sports apparel maker Macron have signed a 10-year partnership that is the longest and richest ever for fencing’s national governing body (NGB). It is the Italian brand’s first agreement ever with a U.S. NGB. Nike had been USA Fencing’s apparel partner since 2011.

The deal comes on the heels of USA Fencing’s strong performance at the Paris Olympic Games where it won four medals, including two golds for the first time. In the Paralympic Games, Team USA had its best showing since the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Fencing is one of just four sports to be included in every since Summer Olympics since 1896 in Athens.

“The sheer size of this agreement for us is fantastic,” Phil Andrews, USA Fencing CEO, said in a video interview. Beyond the cash component, Andrews highlighted a pair of other advantages of working with Macron.

Italy has a rich fencing history, having won more fencing Olympic medals

Italy has a rich fencing history, having won more fencing Olympic medals than any other country, and the company employs multiple fencers at its Italian headquarters.

Andrews said U.S. fencers will sit down with Macron in Italy and work through the apparel offerings. “It will be the full treatment from start to finish with our athlete input,” Andrews said.

Macron has worked with national federations in basketball, cricket, rugby and soccer, but this is its first time aligning with a national fencing squad. It will be the main supplier to all U.S. national fencing and parafencing teams across every level, and Macron will work with local fencing clubs to develop custom clothing for fencers.