Adidas Replaces Nike as Manchester United’s New Kit Sponsor in £750M Deal

July 14, 2014

Manchester United plc has reached a ten year agreement with German sportswear manufacturer adidas for a global technical sponsorship worth £750 million ($1.28bn).

The deal, which begins at the start of the 2015/2016 campaign, will also include a dual branded licensing deal and is considered the biggest kit sponsorship deal in the world.

“We are excited to team up with Manchester United, one of the most successful and most loved football clubs globally,” said adidas Group CEO Herbert Hainer.

“Our new partnership with Manchester United clearly underlines our leadership in football and will help us to further strengthen our position in key markets around the world.“

“At the same time, this collaboration marks a milestone for us when it comes to merchandising potential. We expect total sales to reach £1.5bn during the duration of our partnership.”

The new agreement follows after current kit supplier Nike opted out of renewing their partnership with the record Premier League winners.

Nike, who has been a partner since 2002, said: “Manchester United is a great club with passionate fans. We are proud to have partnered with them for the last 12 years and will continue to sponsor the club until the end of the 2014/15 season.

“Any partnership with a club or federation has to be mutually beneficial and the terms that were on offer for a renewed contract did not represent good value for Nike’s shareholders.

“We look forward to a successful final season with the club.”

adidas Clients Could Request New Deals

iSportconnect also spoke to Director of Star Sports Marketing, Steven Falk, about the new deal.

“This is an amazing deal in terms of the numbers, he said.

“It will be interesting to see the reaction of Manchester United’s competitors such as Bayern, Real and Chelsea who already have a relationship with adidas.

“Herbert Hainer is likely to receive several renegotiation requests very soon.

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