US Squash has joined forces with USA Fencing, USA Cycling, US Sailing and US Rowing to forge a strategic initiative around sports sponsorships ahead of LA 2028.
It follows news that Team USA squash men’s and women’s participating athletes are set to receive funding worth up to $200,000 for Olympic participation thanks to a wealthy benefactor.
The quintet of national bodies will collate their commercial and media rights while revenue will be split among the organisations.
US Rowing will be the chair member of the project while the five bodies will meet at least every fortnight.
The sports have less of a profile than some of the bigger Olympic sports but they do have affluence within its membership base in the US.
The NGBs, which total about 350,000 members, hope to increase ties with luxury brands and sponsors as well as wealth management and banks which have established connections in these sports.
According to filing reports, USA Cycling drives $57m in revenue, with squash accruing $38.2m.
Amanda Kraus, CEO of US Rowing, said: “This collaboration amongst flourishing sports organizations will create a commercially attractive offering for partners seeking the opportunity to activate their brands across a vast community of sports families in the US.”
“Alone, it’s just not big enough for one single brand, but with five NGBs, suddenly it becomes worthwhile,” said USA Fencing CEO Phil Andrews.
US Squash hasn’t publicly commented on the move.
Meanwhile, a US philanthropist this week made a $100m donation to support US Olympic and Paralympic athletes, with a post-retirement plan worth up to $200,000 per participant.
The gift is thought to be the largest single monetary donation in the history of the organisation.
The US doesn’t fund athletes, who rely on sponsorship and media deals, which means that the first US squash Olympians are set to benefit.
Ross Stevens’ donation will see a $100,000 grant divided over four years handed to every US Olympian.
The funds can be accessed 20 years after their qualifying Olympics or when they reach 45, whichever is later.
Their families or beneficiaries will also receive $100,000 upon their death.
Elsewhere, US Squash this week launched its Player Development Pathway, an initiative designed to identify and nurture future squash champions by providing them with the training, coaching, and competitive opportunities needed to maximize their potential.
“The Olympic dream is now a reality for all squash players around the world, and establishing the National Squash Academy is the first step for all American squash players to realize their Olympic dreams,” said US coach Nick Taylor.