The case of the FC Barcelona equipment supplier has caused a lot of ink to flow in recent weeks, while president Joan Laporta is reportedly considering leaving his current sponsor, Nike.
The two companies have been together for the entire 21st century and still have a contract until 2028. Nike wants to continue its collaboration with FC Barcelona, but in a context of serious economic problems, Laporta wants to renegotiate a new contract with higher fees high – the original lease was signed almost ten years ago and gives FC Barcelona around 85 million euros per season, plus 20 million euros in variables.
Puma has been mentioned as an alternative option, and Marca says they are willing to pay more than Nike. The problem is that Barcelona will have to pay 40-50 million euros to get out of the Nike contract early, something the club simply cannot afford at the moment.
Nike hesitates, Barça in trouble
A third solution has also been suggested, namely that FC Barcelona found its own brand and manufacture its own equipment. The same report indicates that industry experts consider the idea of founding a production line not feasible.
The ideal for Laporta would be to sign a new lease with Nike for several years under more advantageous conditions. Nike does not want to lose FC Barcelona as a customer, but is reluctant to give more money to a Barcelona team that is no longer the dominant force in soccer, as it was when the deal was signed.
