The countdown to the 2026 American Pro is on, and the buzz is only growing as the big event approaches. That buzz can now be magnified as the premiere powerlifting event has an iconic brand getting involved.
Powerlifting United is excited to announce that PLU is joining forces with Nike Strength. The Nike 1972 Power Bar will be the official bench press barbell used for the 2026 American Pro, set to take place at the Henrico Sports and Events Center in Richmond, VA on Aug. 7-8, 2026. The announcement with the news was shared on an Instagram post that was made on Dec. 15, 2026.
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This bar will be used on both the amateur and pro days of the big weekend in Richmond. The Nike 1972 Power Bar has a 1,500-pound (680kg) capacity and meets all the PLU specification requirements for competition use.
“Nike products are engineered to the exact specifications of championship athletes. Nike Strength is proud to support PLU athletes as they break records and raise the standard with the Nike 1972 Power Bar,” said Drew Conant, CEO of Nike Strength.
The 20kg barbell (44 lb) is black chrome, and features an orange power stripe with the iconic swoosh next to the center knurl. The bar is 2200mm (86.6 inches) long, 29mm in diameter, and each sleeve is 415mm (16.3 inches) long. The low whip and mountain knurling makes it an optimal barbell for bench pressing.
The Nike 1972 Power Bar will not only be used during the American Pro competition, but will also be available for use backstage by the athletes in the warm-up area. Nike Strength will also provide barbells to be awarded as part of the prizes for Best Lifter at the end of the meet.
PLU President and American Pro promoter Ana Perez expressed optimism about the partnership when the news was shared.
“This partnership with Nike Strength signals where we are headed. The American Pro is about bringing world-class production and world-class performance together. We’re proud to align with a brand that truly understands strength culture and shares our commitment to raising the standard for the athletes who step on this platform”
Nike Strength is considered a leader in fitness equipment. They produce barbells as well as dumbbells, plates, and other fitness equipment that is suited for home gym or commercial use. Nike Strength was already connected to the sport thanks to their work with renowned lifter Danny Grigsby. This is their first direct involvement with PLU, and there may be more to come from this growing partnership in 2026.
PLU journalist Roger “Rock” Lockridge has received the Nike 1972 Power Bar and has been testing it out in his training. A full review of the Nike 1972 Power Bar will be coming for PLU members in the near future. For more information on the Nike 1972 Power Bar, go to the Nike Strength website.
Make sure to follow @powerlifting.united and @the_american_pro on Instagram and to powerliftingunited.com for more news and developments as we go further along on the road to Richmond.
