Rapinoe's new partnership marks her first sponsorship deal since the Women's World Cup this summerGETTY IMAGES
Portland-based athlete-focused CBD startup The Mendi Co. announced USWNT F Megan Rapinoe would be its "first sponsored athlete," according to Pete Danko of the PORTLAND BUSINESS JOURNAL. Rapinoe is the twin sister of The Mendi Co. CEO, Rachael Rapinoe. This is Megan Rapinoe's "first sponsorship deal since her World Cup heroics this past summer." Mendi sells "three products that feature hemp-derived CBD: a salve stick, gel caps and gummies." Sunday's announcement of Rapinoe as a sponsor came "just a few days after Portland-based Sentia Wellness" announced a sponsorship deal with the NWSL Portland Thorns (BIZJOURNALS.com, 10/20). YAHOO SPORTS' Liz Roscher noted Rapinoe will "spearhead the brand's 'Athlete Ambassador Program,' and hopes to use her partnership with Mendi to raise awareness of implementing diversity, inclusion, equal pay, equality, and justice into communities and workplaces" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 10/20).
