The National Women’s Soccer League has launched a new footwear sponsorship framework that limits brand visibility to those who sign deals with the league. Front Office Sports previously reported discussions of the agreement earlier this year. For the first time, equipment manufacturers other than the league’s official outfitter, Nike, will have to pay for the right to have their cleats visible during league matches and meet minimum cash investment requirements for players. The new framework will take effect with Friday’s Challenge Cup between defending NWSL champion Gotham FC and 2025 NWSL Shield winner Kansas City Current in Columbus, Ohio. Players whose cleat sponsors have not opted into the program will be required to cover the branding on their cleats during the match.Adidas and Puma, the two companies with the largest share of non-Nike athletes in the NWSL, are the first brands to opt into the program. League officials are also in discussions with several smaller footwear manufacturers that sponsor a handful of players. Additional brands are expected to join after those agreements are finalized. Caddix is one of the companies still working with the league to ensure their brand ambassador, Current center back Kayla Sharples, can wear her cleats. “Caddix has been in touch with the league regarding the process for Kayla to wear the cleats during league play. We continue to reach out and are open to conversation but haven’t received a response,” Jack Rasmussen CEO and founder of Caddix told The Athletic in an email. Current center back Kayla Sharples wears Caddix cleats, one of the brands not currently partnered with the league. (Harry How / Getty Images)The league did not disclose the scope of the deal for the brands and it’s unclear how much each brand must pay the NWSL to become an authorized footwear supplier. However, the WNBA’s recent rollout of a similar deal provides some guidance. According to the latest WNBA collective bargaining agreement, a qualified shoe deal requires at least a $5,000 annual payment to the players in addition to what they pay the league.