Liverpool announces short-term New Balance extension

Credit: Han Yan/Xinhua News Agency/PA Images

Liverpool FC has confirmed that due to the suspension of Premier League activities the club will continue to use its 2019/20 New Balance kit until 1 August following a short-term extension. 

New Balance’s contract with Liverpool was due to expire on 31 May, with Nike taking over as the clubs official kit supplier for the 2020/21 season.

A Liverpool spokesperson stated: ”It has been mutually agreed with New Balance, the club and incoming kit supplier Nike that the deal, which was due to come to an end on May 31, 2020, will be extended due to the Premier League being suspended as a result of COVID-19.

“Nike’s term as official kit supplier to the club, outfitting the men’s, women’s and Academy squads, as well as coaching staff and Liverpool FC Foundation, is due to commence on August 1, 2020.”

The extension means that Liverpool will be able to continue to play using New Balance’s kits, with the Premier League side only needing six points to secure the title.

According to SportsProMedia, Liverpool’s new partnership with Nike will provide the club with a guaranteed £30m a year, which is less than New Balance’s reported annual fee of £45m. However, Nike is reportedly offering the Merseyside club 20 per cent royalties on all merchandise net sales.

The news follows the Premier League’s announcement that it will resume operations on 17 June. Similarly to the Bundesliga, strict guidelines and protocols have been put in place to mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Whilst the Premier League has officially announced its full fixture list, Liverpool’s first match back in action is expected to be the Merseyside Derby against Everton. Mark Roberts, the National Police’s Chiefs’ Council football lead officer, has also requested that the fixture be moved to a neutral venue in order to reduce the risk of gathering crowds.

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