The enormity of the Nike deal will allow USATF to expand its funding of athletes, Geer said. She cited examples such as uniforms for master’s athletes, more prize money at competitions, sports performance workshops, and covering travel costs for coaches at the Olympic Games.

The reaction from athletes themselves, however, has been decidedly mixed.

“We want to see sponsors fighting for the ad space we have on our chests,” Symmonds said. “If Nike has it locked up for 23 years, no one else is really getting the chance to compete.”

I'm surprised that Nike could lock up those sponsorships for such a long time.

It does seem excessive.