Under contract with Nike since 1998, FC Barcelona would no longer be satisfied with this partnership. Another equipment manufacturer would already be on the lookout.
Towards a revolution at FC Barcelona? Always looking for new sources of income, the Catalan club is considering making a major change, which would undoubtedly not leave its most loyal supporters indifferent. Linked to Nike since 1998, the FCB is seriously questioning this partnership, which it no longer considers lucrative enough.
According to the Catalan daily Sport, several brands would have jumped into the breach and would have recently sounded out Joan Laporta, the Blaugrana president, on the possibility of breaking the current contract with the American firm. With the ambition, therefore, to recover the case. Puma and especially New Balance would have manifested themselves in this way.
New Balance to replace Nike?
New Balance, which already dresses clubs like Lille and FC Porto, is seeing its notoriety grow in the world of football, as evidenced by the deal recently signed with Brazilian star Endrick, who will join Real Madrid next July. A collaboration with the reigning Spanish champions would be a huge spotlight for this equipment manufacturer.
😂 Joan Laporta and other managers believe that the amount paid is still below what the club is worth.
Make no sense. pic.twitter.com/BX74UAW391
— Footy Headlines (@Footy_Headlines) December 1, 2023
But the discussions are unlikely to succeed, at least in the short term. Barça actually renegotiated its contract with Nike in 2016, which will earn it 155 million euros per year until 2028. A priori, the two parties are therefore linked until this date, unless Joan Laporta succeeds again in switch the brand to “Swoosh” at checkout.
If, beyond the financial aspect, the Barcelona staff would complain about the quality of the products, delivery times and services to the players, they would not be against an extension with Nike. Quite the contrary. Sport also indicates that discussions are underway to upgrade this agreement. In case of failure, New Balance is ready.
