Barcelona are reportedly ready to bring an end to their lucrative partnership with American sportswear giant Nike in favour of a unique approach to kit sponsorship.
Since 1998, almost ten years before Barca’s renowned maroon and blue shirts even featured as primary sponsor for the first time, Nike has supplied kits for the Catalan giants.
Since then, there have been multiple revisions to the agreement, which is now scheduled to expire in June 2028.
However, reports from Spain state that Barca are ready to part ways with Nike and are now evaluating a number of options.
According to Sport as reported by Daily Mail, Barca’s current contract pays the club £73 million annually. But the outfit are determined to end the partnership early. Their lawyers are reportedly confident that, should the split not be settled amicably, they could win a lawsuit against the sportswear corporation.
Puma are allegedly willing to pay over £85 million annually to replace the agreement. But the Catalan club are considering making the bold decision to start their own brand and produce their own outfits.
According to reports, club president Joan Laporta supports the move that would probably see the club team up with a ‘large multinational’ company to produce and market the shirts.
Speaking about the circumstances earlier this month, Laporta outlined the available choices.
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“We have some concerns and a situation that is not what we wanted.” The 61-year-old told Marca.
“The operation has been deteriorating, we think [Nike] have breached the contract. And, in addition, the market pays us double. Puma? Don’t make me name names.
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“It is at this point that we want to find the best solution. There are three options: continue with them, accept what the market gives us and do it ourselves through BLM[Barca Licensing & Merchandising].
Barça brand? Yes. If you see what a shirt costs and at the price it is sold… We already make our clothes.”
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