Nike is facing pointed criticism by female athletes of all ages for its public stance that male athletes claiming to be women should be able to participate in women’s sports and win scholarships for females.

In April 2023, the company collaborated with influencer Dylan Mulvaney to promote women’s sportswear, including bras and leggings. This partnership sparked backlash from some female athletes and consumers who felt that Nike was not adequately supporting cisgender women in sports, Business Insider reported.

Critics argued that featuring a “transgender woman” in advertisements for women’s athletic wear undermined the achievements and recognition of biological female athletes.

One online campaign features a roster of young female athletes pleading with Nike to promote biological women in women’s sports.

XX-XY Athletics, an apparel company founded by retired gymnast Jennifer Sey, released an advertisement criticizing Nike for not supporting biological females in sports. The ad featured female athletes questioning Nike’s silence on the issue of “transgender athletes” competing in women’s sports categories, suggesting that the company’s stance was detrimental to the integrity of women’s sports.

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“Why won’t you stand up for me?” one young girl says in the online video.

“Men and boys are stealing our opportunities,” another girl says.

In response to the criticism, Nike defended its partnership with Mulvaney, emphasizing its commitment to including men in women’s sports. according to AOL.

Several female athletes have gained national recognition for their efforts to champion women’s sports, with Riley Gaines, a 12-time All-American swimmer, standing out as a prominent voice.

Last year, she launched her “Speak Louder” campus tour, inspiring students, athletes, community leaders, parents, and allies to advocate for women and girls and to defend the integrity of women’s identity in sports.