According to a report from the Orange County Register, USA Gymnastics has been dropped by two of its largest corporate sponsors. Procter & Gamble has been the name sponsor of the national championships since 2013, and Kellogg’s sponsored the nationwide Tour of Gymnastics Champions. Neither opted to renew their contracts with USA Gymnastics as the fallout from the Larry Nassar sexual abuse scandal continues. USA Gymnastics released a statement expressing their desire for both sponsors to come back.
Although our contract for the last term with Kellogg’s and Procter and Gamble ended in 2016 and 2017, respectively, we are exploring opportunities with both companies about joining with us in further building a culture of empowerment.
Nassar was recently sentenced to 60 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to child pornography charges, and he has also pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges in Eaton County, Mich. He’s been accused of sexual abuse by over 140 women and girls, including several prominent U.S. Olympians. Two major sponsors cutting ties is likely just the beginning of USA Gymnastics’ reckoning.