COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew SC and Nationwide announced a future multi-year sponsorship agreement making Nationwide, the central Ohio-based insurance and financial services industry leader, the Official Columbus Crew SC Jersey Partner, beginning in 2021.

In 2020, the Crew will partner with Nationwide Children’s Hospital and feature a special Nationwide Children’s jersey for all competitions, including all Major League Soccer and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matches. The Nationwide Children’s Hospital jersey will debut at Crew SC’s Opening Match this Sunday, March 1 when the Black & Gold host New York City FC. For one year, all authentic and replica jerseys, including those worn by the First Team and those sold at retail, will prominently incorporate the Nationwide Children’s Hospital logo.

Beginning in 2021, Crew SC kits will feature the Nationwide logo and Nationwide Children’s Hospital will transition into a community partner role with details to be announced later this year.

“We are thrilled to announce this partnership with Nationwide and take great pride in the unique opportunity to highlight Nationwide Children’s Hospital on our jerseys in 2020,” said Crew SC Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer Steve Lyons. “We know that Nationwide Children’s Hospital is a tremendous resource in our community and is synonymous with so much that is good in Columbus, especially their work to address pediatric behavioral health. We look forward to the special 2020 kits and are excited that our Crew jerseys will then feature the iconic Nationwide logo in 2021 and beyond. Today marks an exciting moment for Crew SC, celebrating the partnership with Nationwide and Nationwide Children’s Hospital as we enter a new era for this Club.”

As an innovative company that is constantly looking for new and exciting ways to share their mission of protecting people, businesses, and futures with extraordinary care, the Crew partnership is a natural and authentic fit for Nationwide.

“Nationwide is excited that the 2020 jersey sponsorship will go to our longtime community and philanthropic partners at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and then Nationwide will become the official jersey and insurance partner of Columbus Crew SC in 2021,” said Kirt Walker, Nationwide’s chief executive officer. “This brings together three hometown teams to engage the Crew’s incredible fan base and highlight the important, inspiring work being done by the hospital.”