Liverpool Football Club has announced that sportswear company Nike will replace New Balance to become the club’s official kit supplier as from the 2020-21 season.
The multi-year partnership, which is effective as of 1 June 2020, will see Nike manufacture and supply Liverpool FC’s playing, training and travel wear for both the senior men’s and women’s teams as well as the academy squads, the club’s coaching staff and the LFC Foundation.
Billy Hogan, LFC’s managing director and chief commercial officer, stated: “Our iconic kit is a key part of our history and identity. We welcome Nike into the LFC family as our new official kit supplier and expect them to be an incredible partner for the club, both at home and globally as we continue to expand our fanbase.
“As a brand, Nike reflects our ambitions for growth, and we look forward to working with them to bring fans new and exciting products.”
The announcement follows on from Liverpool’s court win over New Balance after the Boston-based sportswear brand alleged the club was looking to switch to Nike once it’s existing contract ended in May 2020.
Liverpool’s former kit suppliers argued they were entitled to match Nike’s offer, however, the judge ruled that New Balance’s offer was ‘less favourable to Liverpool’ when considering the marketing and distribution aspects available to Nike.
Bert Hoyt, VP, GM Nike EMEA, added: “Liverpool Football Club has such a proud heritage and strong identity. The partnership with Liverpool FC underscores our leadership in global football and with the club’s passionate worldwide fanbase and strong legacy of success, they have a very bright future ahead.
“We look forward to partnering with them to serve players and supporters with Nike innovation and design.”
As of yet no financial figures have been released, however, it is rumoured that the deal could represent a record in English football, with it being believed that the worth of the newly struck deal could possibly match or exceed Manchester United’s £75m per year deal with Adidas.
The start of the partnership also coincides with the club’s move into its new training facility in Kirkby, a project that includes investment in improved sport facilities for the local community.
Hogan concluded: “We’d like to thank New Balance for their support over the last few years and wish them well for the future.”
